Manchester United 0-0 Leeds: Diego Leon catches eye in friendly draw

Having praised one of the youngest players in United’s squad, they had the oldest to thank for keeping Leeds out.

Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton signed a one-year contract extension three weeks ago and, with Andre Onana injured, the 39-year-old is pushing Altay Bayindir for the interim first-choice role.

And he caught the eye with three excellent second-half saves. Largie Ramazani was denied twice but the best was the first after Joel Piroe had set up Bogle.

Amorim said he feels the “environment is really good” at Manchester United at the moment, highlighting the togetherness in the team.

“Of course, sometimes we are going to struggle,” he said. “But what I feel since the first moment is that we are going to struggle, but we are struggling together.

“That is the beginning of everything. Then we have to put the quality because this club is not just about the effort. It’s the quality. You have to win games.”

Interestingly for Leeds, while striker Patrick Bamford did not make the trip – and no explanation was offered before kick-off – Jack Harrison, who has spent the past two season on loan at Everton and is expected to move again, started.

Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha were also given first starts by boss Daniel Farke, while fellow new signings Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sean Longstaff and Sebastiaan Bornauw came on after half-time – with actor Will Ferrell, an investor in Leeds, watching on from the stands.

As news filtered through of Leeds having a £17m bid accepted by German club Hoffenheim for their midfielder Anton Stach, it is clear Farke, like Amorim, can expect plenty of improvement from his side before their return to the top flight against Everton on 18 August.

Manchester United finished on top. Illan Meslier got down low to deny Patrick Dorgu and amid a frenetic ending Kobbie Mainoo hit the bar before the Leeds goalkeeper denied Ayden Heaven.