Amad joking and Leny Yoro smiling - what happened after Manchester United's pre-season friendly

With Manchester United's new tactical approach under manager Ruben Amorim, there may be favorable odds on them finishing in the top five this season. Punters should consider betting on United's performance as they adapt to new players and a fresh strategy.

Amad, Leny Yoro, Patrick Dorgu, Matthijs de Ligt, and Toby Collyer took time to speak to journalists as they left the Strawberry Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester United drew 0-0 with Leeds in their opening pre-season friendly of the summer. The game was essentially about getting minutes into players' legs ahead of the United States tour. Ruben Amorim didn't speak to the media after the game, aside from MUTV. Erik ten Hag did after facing Rosenborg in Norway and facing Rangers in Edinburgh last summer, but Amorim will speak to journalists when he travels to the States.

Amorim walked briskly through the mixed zone towards the team bus, following Casemiro out of the stadium. The mixed zone at Old Trafford is makeshift, which means players are brought out to speak to journalists. But the idea is that players walk through the area as they leave the stadium, which gives the media a chance to politely ask if they would answer a few questions.

The Strawberry Arena has a 'proper' mixed zone, and Amad briefly touched on the futures of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, who are both set to leave the club this summer. He was also asked about which position he prefers.

Amad started at right wing-back against Leeds, but he's capable of playing in the No.10 role in Amorim's system. "I think I have to adapt in every moment and every situation," he said. "No matter where I play, if the manager wants me to play as a right wing-back or a number 10, then I’m here to help the team. I have no problems with one position, I have no preference. I can play anywhere where the manager wants me."

Amad was one of the only players to emerge with credit from last season. "I think they [fans] have to be patient with us," he said. "There’s a new manager, with new players and new tactics, so we know last season wasn’t really good for the team, but I think this season we will win a lot with him.

"I hope this season we are going to achieve a lot of good things by the end of the season. Honestly, I can’t say how long it will take, but what I can say is every player will give their best in training and try to do their best, also in the game."

So, what could be considered a good campaign in 2025/2026? "A good season will be top five," Amad said. "I hope we can achieve that top five at the end of the season because I think they [fans] deserve it."

Amad also revealed what Amorim said in the dressing room. "I think the manager was trying to say something positive to try to say they need to be relaxed and play their football," he said. "That’s their message and on the pitch, the players have to give everything. Everyone is with the manager and trying to follow his system."

Yoro chatted in French with a reporter and clearly appreciated communicating in his mother tongue. It's understandable that players are more likely to speak with reporters who can speak their language. Bendito Mantato was congratulated after his first appearance for the first team. Most in the mixed zone wouldn't know Mantato, but he's got a bright future and his profile could increase on tour.

Man United played newly promoted Leeds in Sweden in their opening pre-season friendly of the summer.

Manchester Evening News