Manchester United were held to a draw by Leeds in a lively pre-season friendly, with Brenden Aaronsons equaliser cancelling out Joshua Zirkzees opener in the first half. United took the lead on 16 minutes when Zirkzee took a well-placed finish into the bottom corner after Bryan Mbeumo had released him on the counter-attack. The Belgian had earlier forced a smart stop from James Trafford, and United looked sharp in the first half with Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu causing problems down the flanks.Leeds hit back on 29 minutes through Aaronson, who swept a right-footed finish into the bottom left corner after Daniel James, one of several players auditioning for a place in the squad, pulled the ball back across goal. It was a well-worked move and James was a lively presence throughout the first half, also going close with a long-range effort on 43 minutes.Second-half changes kill momentumBoth managers used half-time to completely overhaul their sides, with United introducing Bruno Fernandes, Noussair Mazraoui, Youri Tielemans and Luke Shaw among seven changes, while Leeds made eight substitutions of their own.The second half was an even, if scrappy, affair. Uniteds fresh legs improved their threat going forward and Fernandes came closest to a winner, striking the crossbar from outside the box on 85 minutes when it seemed easier to score. Jack Fletcher also headed narrowly wide in stoppage time after being picked out by Mazraoui.Leeds had chances of their own, with James Justin forcing a sharp save from substitute goalkeeper Dermot Mee on 78 minutes before Dominic Calvert-Lewin headed narrowly wide late on.A standard pre-season penalty shootout followed, with Fernandes missing his spot-kick, but was spared his blushes after Harry Wilson and James Justin could not find the net from 12 yards. Topics Leeds United F.C. Manchester United F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read How to watch the Premier League 2026/27: Full details of TV channel, confirmed online streams to follow English football Ben Miller 12th August, 2026 WATCH: Zirkzee gives Manchester United lead before Leeds hit back Mitch Fretton 12th August, 2026 Man United vs Leeds live: Confirmed teams and full line ups for friendly Ben Miller 12th August, 2026 Manchester City sign goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli for a second time Jon Fisher 12th August, 2026 Manchester United pre season tour 2026: Full fixtures and details Ben Miller 12th August, 2026 Manchester United: Season preview, ins and outs, one to watch and prediction can Carricks men challenge for the title? Jon Fisher 11th August, 2026
