Man United vs Leeds in Dublin preseason friendly

Manchester United and Leeds United renewed their storied rivalry in a preseason friendly at Croke Park in Dublin on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The match, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. BST, marked the first football match at the iconic Gaelic games venue since 2009 and served as a key preparation fixture for both clubs ahead of the new Premier League season, which begins on August 22.

The encounter at the 82,300-capacity stadium provided a significant test for both managers. Michael Carrick’s Manchester United side entered the match following a 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain, while Daniel Farke’s Leeds United were building momentum from recent victories over Liverpool and RB Leipzig.

A major storyline was the return of Marcus Rashford to the Manchester United squad. The forward, who had not played for the club since December 2024, spent the latter part of the 2024-25 season on loan at Barcelona. Carrick reintegrated Rashford into the squad, assigning him the number 14 shirt, and he was available for selection in Dublin. His return adds a significant attacking option as United prepare for a campaign that includes European football.

For Leeds, the match offered a debut opportunity...