Manchester United is set to renew its fierce rivalry with Leeds United when the two sides face off in their first pre-season friendly ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 campaign. The highly anticipated match will take place on Saturday, July 19, at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, kicking off at 2:00 PM BST. This encounter not only promises competitive football but also boasts significant historical context, as it marks their second pre-season meeting in just three years.
The last time these clubs clashed in a friendly, United emerged victorious with a 2-0 win in Oslo during the summer of 2023, illustrating the intensity of the rivalry that has persisted through the years. Beyond this competition on the pitch, United has a fond history with the Strawberry Arena; most notably, they triumphed there in the 2017 Europa League final against Ajax, securing their first title in that tournament.
The upcoming fixture is part of a broader pre-season strategy for Manchester United, who have confirmed a series of matches in the United States as part of the Premier League's Summer Series, making this visit to Scandinavia a key component of their preparations. The club will head across the Atlantic for pre-season action after their time in Sweden, playing a trio of matches in the US where they will take on West Ham United, Bournemouth, and Everton.
Scheduled to occur shortly after the Leeds fixture, United's stateside matches include a meeting with West Ham at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on July 27, followed by a game against Bournemouth at Soldier Field in Chicago on July 31, and they will conclude their tour with a contest against Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on August 3. This tightly organized schedule helps boost team cohesion ahead of a new season, especially as the club gear up for the Premier League kick-off on August 16.
Meanwhile, Leeds United is also gearing up for their duel with Manchester United amidst a tight race in the Championship. With an eye on promotion, the Whites are currently fighting to secure their spot at the top of the league, sitting level on points with Sheffield United and just two points clear of Burnley in a gripping title contest. Despite recent challenges, including only one victory in their last four matches, Leeds remains focused on the challenge ahead, including their storied rivalry with United.
While the match is classified as a friendly, both clubs know that every encounter against their age-old rivals carries weight, which is amplified by the significant support Leeds has in Scandinavia. As a clear acknowledgment of their Northern European fanbase, tickets for this friendly went on sale almost immediately to Leeds season ticket holders and members, with general sales set to open on March 21, 2025. The club expects high demand, with thousands of supporters already ready to travel to witness the clash.
“We are delighted to announce this pre-season fixture with Manchester United and as a club, we again look forward to playing in Scandinavia,” commented Morrie Eisenberg, Leeds' Chief Operating Officer. “We know the great support we have in Scandinavia, with many supporters regularly traveling to England to see Leeds United play. The Leeds United Supporters Club of Scandinavia (LUSCOS) has over 8,000 members, so it will be a great occasion in July.”
The Strawberry Arena, designated as Sweden's national stadium, boasts a capacity of 50,000, allowing for a vibrant atmosphere as fans from both sides converge for this match. Blocks 115-126 have been allocated to Leeds supporters, ensuring they can rally together for one of the most anticipated pre-season encounters of the summer.
The match's significance cannot be understated as both teams prepare for their respective domestic campaigns. With Leeds keen on securing a spot back in the Premier League and Manchester United looking to position themselves for a strong season, the results in these pre-season games will offer both teams early insights into their form and readiness.
The friendly between these rivals is sure to capture the attention of football fans in Europe, especially with the added historical elements in play and the essential context of preparing for a fresh season. Both clubs will need every opportunity to build camaraderie and tactical understanding as they approach their respective goals for the upcoming campaign.
As we await further updates on ticketing and additional pre-season matches, fans are reminded to stay engaged with their clubs. The excitement surrounding match tickets is palpable, and as both teams finalize their rosters ahead of the new season, supporters will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how each side approaches this fixture and the season that follows.
