Manchester United Face Leeds in Sold-Out Croke Park Friendly

Manchester United and Leeds United are set to renew their historic 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, marks the first time the iconic Gaelic games stadium has hosted a football match since 2009 and is completely sold out, with an expected attendance of over 80,000.

The fixture serves as a key preparation step for both clubs ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season, which begins on August 22. For Manchester United, managed by Michael Carrick, it is the penultimate friendly of the summer, following a 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in Sweden on August 9. United's preseason began with a loss to Wrexham but has since included victories over Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid. Leeds, under Daniel Farke, enter the match in strong form, having won their last three friendlies, including a 2-0 victory over RB Leipzig on August 9.

The game carries significant historical weight, with the two clubs sharing a fierce competitive history. Their last Premier League meetings saw Leeds claim a draw at Elland Road and a 2-1 win at Old Trafford. The match also represents a notable occasion for Croke Park,...