Anton Stach produced a moment of magic from a free-kick to give Leeds United all three points against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on the opening weekend.
It was a closely contested game for much of the afternoon, with neither side creating many clear-cut chances. Just when it looked like the match was heading for a goalless draw, Stach stepped up with a superb late strike to send Leeds home with a valuable victory.
It gives Daniel Farke’s side the perfect start to the new Premier League campaign and keeps the momentum from an impressive pre-season going.
All four of Leeds’ summer signings made their competitive debuts against Forest, but one in particular caught the eye of England legend Wayne Rooney.
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Leeds United new boy left an impression on Rooney
Tarik Muharemovic signed for Leeds in the summer as the natural replacement for Pascal Struijk, who left to join Brighton at the end of last season.
The Bosnian impressed Leeds fans during pre-season, but on his Premier League debut he has earned the praise of England and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.
He picked out Muharemovic’s composure on the ball and his ability to be a major threat in both boxes for Leeds due to his height and physicality.
The former striker also praised the defender’s pace for a player of his size, suggesting Leeds may have landed an excellent centre-back this summer.
Rooney said on Match of the Day: “Muharemovic looks very composed on the ball.
“He is a big lad, good in both boxes, but you can see his composure.
“In the penalty box, he is a good threat from crosses into the box.
“He is quick across the ground for such a big lad.”
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Leeds have got their recruitment spot on
The 49ers have shown ambition and a smart eye for recruitment thus far and are expected to add more players before the end of the window.
James Trafford, Tarik Muharemovic and Nico Elvedi have added goalkeeping assurance and defensive steel to a team that looked solid away from home on the first day of the season.
Harry Wilson showed glimpses of his form that made Leeds sign him on a free transfer, and there is more to come from him in the upcoming weeks and months.
Leeds’ recruitment has not only improved the starting eleven but has raised the overall quality of the squad for the 2026/27 season.
