United bossed possession at 59% and completed 585 passes to Leeds’ 410, leaning into a 4-2-3-1 structure that kept the ball and moved it into advanced areas. They produced 57 final third entries and completed 142 of 172 passes in that zone, an excellent 83% success rate. That flow helped them register 28 touches in the penalty area compared to Leeds’ 18, plus an 8-2 edge in corners. Even so, the control did not always flow into clear chances, with only one big chance created.

Leeds chose a different route to menace, winning 58% of all duels and a commanding 68% of aerials. Their 17 tackles to United’s 9 underlined how Daniel Farke’s side repeatedly disrupted midfield rhythm. They also drew more free kicks 12 to 7, which helped squeeze territory in the second half. The contrast was clean: United built and re-cycled, Leeds contested and sprang at pace.

What the shot numbers say

The final shot count read 15-13 to United, though Leeds edged shots on target 5-4. United were a little wasteful from range and through bodies, logging 6 shots off target and 5 blocked efforts. They did ring the crossbar twice, which tells you the margin for a regulation win was there. United also put 10 of their 15 attempts inside the box, reflecting that deeper territorial hold.

Leeds’ shot profile tilted late, with 9 attempts in the second half and 4 on target after the break. That surge aligned with their pressure metrics and more aggressive defensive line. United created only one big chance all match, while Leeds produced two and missed one of them. On another day, those fine lines flip the script before penalties.

Changes that shifted the rhythm

This being a Club Friendly, both benches were busy and the break was a turning point. Leeds reshaped at half-time, introducing Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Wilfried Gnonto, Noah Okafor, Harry Wilson and others to add legs and duel power. Ampadu’s 45-minute cameo carried a 7.5 Sofascore Rating, built on 23 passes, 5 tackles, and 7 duels won. Rodon was tidy on the ball and progressive, while Gnonto balanced ball carrying with defensive work.

United also rotated heavily. Dermot Mee replaced Senne Lammens in goal on 61 minutes and later delivered the penalty save that teed up the win. Luke Shaw, Youri Tielemans and Mazraoui added composure, progressive passing and that final shootout edge. From the XI, Zirkzee posted a 7.7 Sofascore Rating with a goal, 2 shots on target and 2 key passes. It was a performance that showed why he fit United’s possession play so smoothly.

Goalkeeping and defending under the microscope

United finished with four saves across the 90, two in each half. Lammens kept a steady lid in the first period, and Mee made the single stop he needed after coming on while commanding his area late. Leeds split the gloves between James Trafford and Alex Cairns, who combined for three saves, two big ones and a high claim. Their work, plus 26 clearances and 10 interceptions from the outfield, kept United at arm’s length after the interval.

Defensively, United were tidy in recoveries, winning that count 46 to 41 and keeping interceptions nearly level at 9-10. But Leeds’ tackling volume and aerial dominance made the second half a different contest, even while United continued to control the ball 61-39 in that period. The net result was a fair 1-1 over 90 minutes, the small print decided from the spot.

Match MVP: Noussair Mazraoui

Playing only the last half-hour, Noussair Mazraoui made every minute count and earned Player of the Match with a 7.9 Sofascore Rating. He capped the shootout with a precise right-foot finish into the low left corner, the moment that sealed the 5-4 win. In open play he completed 15 of 17 passes, including 11 of 12 in the opposition half, which helped United sustain territory down the stretch. He added a key pass, showing his ability to thread a line from the flank into dangerous pockets.

Mazraoui also won four duels and completed two tackles, striking a neat balance between front-foot defending and secure circulation. He logged 25 touches, kept turnovers to a minimum with only two possessions lost, and carried the ball six times for a total of 50.99 meters. His progressive intent stood out too, with 32.41 meters of progressive carry distance and a best single carry of 16.85 meters. For a defender introduced on the hour, this is impactful, efficient work.

If you are tracking form through Sofascore, the number backs the eye test. Mazraoui’s 7.9 was the top individual mark on the pitch, narrowly ahead of teammate Dermot Mee at 7.8 and starter Joshua Zirkzee at 7.7. For Leeds, Ampadu and Gnonto both posted 7.5, while Aaronson’s 7.4 reflected his well-taken equalizer. On a night where styles clashed, Mazraoui’s clarity in the details tipped the post-match spotlight.

A friendly that felt full-speed

For a pre-season workout, this felt close to competitive pace. United’s structure and ball security were evident, Leeds’ athletic punch and set of challengers off the bench were just as clear. The penalties added a little theatre in front of the Dublin crowd at Croke Park, which got a proper finish to go with a balanced 1-1. United will be pleased with the control and the composure, Leeds with how their duels and second-half momentum translated into chances.

As always, Sofascore had the match covered with live scores, momentum swings, and player numbers that put the story into context. Keep an eye on both sides as the Club Friendly Games 2026 tune-ups continue, because the shape of these minutes often carries into the real thing.