Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by Leeds United after 90 minutes, but the Red Devils secured victory by winning the penalty shootout 5-4

Manchester United secured a 5-4 victory over Leeds United on penalties after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in normal time during their pre-season meeting. While the result gives United another win during their preparations for the new campaign, the performance itself offered a mixed bag of positives and concerns.

United showed glimpses of quality going forward and created moments that will give the coaching staff encouragement. However, there were also periods when the team lacked control and allowed Leeds to exploit weaknesses. The defensive organisation in particular remains an area that requires significant attention, with lapses in concentration and positioning making the game more difficult than it needed to be.

The midfield also struggled at times to maintain consistency, while United’s overall performance lacked the intensity and control expected from a side preparing for a demanding Premier League season. Although pre-season matches are primarily about building fitness, testing tactics and giving players valuable minutes, performances like this can still highlight areas that need to be addressed before competitive football begins.

Winning the penalty shootout means United leave the game with a positive result, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. The team will need to become more disciplined defensively, sharper in possession and more consistent across the 90 minutes if they are to start the new season strongly. The victory over Leeds is useful for confidence, but it also serves as a reminder that Manchester United still have considerable work to do before they are ready for the challenges ahead.