Man Utd will play at Croke Park regardless of Leeds situation

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Manchester United are committed to playing a historic pre-season friendly at Croke Park in Dublin this summer, despite doubts over their opponents, Leeds United.

Today marks the end of Manchester United’s four-day training camp in the Republic of Ireland.

United In Focus was in attendance for training at Carton House in Co. Kildare on Tuesday, as well as the press conference with Amad and Bryan Mbeumo.

The Red Devils will be returning to Ireland in August for a pre-season friendly, but it remains to be seen if the arranged opponents – Leeds – can fulfil the fixture.

What do YOU think of Manchester United’s pre-season schedule for 2026?

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Man Utd committed to pre-season friendly at Croke Park

United are scheduled to play Leeds on August 12 in a pre-season friendly, which would be a historic encounter given that Croke Park has never hosted two Premier League teams.

Leeds will not be able to play the match if they get relegated from the Premier League or win the FA Cup. The EFL season will kick off that weekend, and the Community Shield will be played at Wembley.

Croke Park chief executive Peter McKenna has now confirmed that he will find a different opponent for United if Leeds can’t make it.

“That is the joy of sport, you never know what the result is going to be,” McKenna told BBC Sport.

“It is very clear Manchester United will be here on 12th. The opposition is Leeds but there are a couple of concerns.

“Could Leeds be relegated? I think that is unlikely given their position in the table and some of the clubs below them, who are struggling. But you never know. That is an unpredictability.

“They could also win the FA Cup final and that would change things. That is more likely. They are a good team. That could happen.

“If it does, we will just have to chase different opposition.”

This is good news for United fans with tickets, or those hoping to secure theirs on Friday morning when they go on general sale.

It will mark United’s first game in Ireland since 2023, when they drew 1-1 with Athletic Bilbao. Facundo Pellistri scored the only goal that day.

• ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
• Manchester United will play at Croke Park on August 12 regardless of whether Leeds can make the trip
• GAA is willing to find United a different opponent for historic match
• Tickets go on general sale this Friday

Should Benjamin Sesko START vs Leeds? If he does…. who should drop to the bench?

United are back – with the same selection dilemma…

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Man Utd can add to Leeds’ fears of relegation

United host Leeds at Old Trafford on Monday night.

Michael Carrick will be hoping to come away with three points to remain third in the Premier League, but a win for the Red Devils would come with an additional blow for Leeds.

Leeds are sitting 15th, but they are only four points clear of West Ham in the relegation zone.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	ArsenalArsenal	31	21	7	3	61	22	39	70
2	Manchester CityManchester City	30	18	7	5	60	28	32	61
3	Manchester UnitedManchester United	31	15	10	6	56	43	13	55
4	Aston VillaAston Villa	31	16	6	9	42	37	5	54
5	LiverpoolLiverpool	31	14	7	10	50	42	8	49
6	ChelseaChelsea	31	13	9	9	53	38	15	48
7	BrentfordBrentford	31	13	7	11	46	42	4	46
8	EvertonEverton	31	13	7	11	37	35	2	46
9	FulhamFulham	31	13	5	13	43	44	-1	44
10	BrightonBrighton	31	11	10	10	41	37	4	43
11	SunderlandSunderland	31	11	10	10	32	36	-4	43
12	NewcastleNewcastle	31	12	6	13	44	45	-1	42
13	BournemouthBournemouth	31	9	15	7	46	48	-2	42
14	Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace	30	10	9	11	33	35	-2	39
15	LeedsLeeds	31	7	12	12	37	48	-11	33
16	Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest	31	8	8	15	31	43	-12	32
17	TottenhamTottenham	31	7	9	15	40	50	-10	30
18	West HamWest Ham	31	7	8	16	36	57	-21	29
19	BurnleyBurnley	31	4	8	19	33	61	-28	20
20	WolvesWolves	31	3	8	20	24	54	-30	17

Both teams still have a lot to play for, and it promises to be a heated encounter.