Jason Wilcox has given a peek into Man Utd’s plans for the pre-season 2026/27, and picked out one fixture as ‘invaluable’.
Manchester United have announced that they will stay in Europe for the upcoming pre-season, playing six games against opponents of all levels.
There are marquee games against PSG, AC Milan, and Atletico Madrid, a showpiece event against Wrexham, and a rivalry game against Leeds to go with a friendly against Rosenborg.
Of all these games, Director of Football Jason Wilcox has given special attention to one game that means more to Man Utd fans.
Matheus Cunha tries to hold off Pascal Struijk during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road in Leeds, England, in 2026.
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
What do YOU think of Manchester United’s pre-season schedule for 2026?
Getty Images
Jason Wilcox excited for Leeds clash in pre-season
PSG, Atletico Madrid, and AC Milan are the bigger teams, but United fans have a heated rivalry with Leeds United.
That fixture, played on August 12, 2026 in Dublin, promises to be a heated affair as both teams will be deep into their pre-season by then.
United have a proud Irish support that will undoubtedly drive the team, and a game against heated rivals is as close as it gets to competitive football without it actually being one.
More United News
Speaking to Man Utd’s official website, Wilcox said: “We’re excited to be heading to Dublin to face Leeds United as part of our pre-season preparations ahead of a big campaign.
“Playing an important fixture against one of our biggest rivals gives us a fantastic opportunity to connect with our supporters in Ireland. Their passion and energy will be invaluable as we build momentum and ensure the squad is in the strongest possible shape for the start of the 2026/27 season.”
Man Utd face a massive pre-season
No pre-season is “not massive” when the club is Man Utd, but this is the first time under Ineos that the club could be preparing for Champions League football.
Which Manchester United player will go furthest at the World Cup?
And how far will they make it?👀
Kobbie Mainoo playing for England against Uruguay
Photo by Alex Davidson – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
The World Cup has seen United take the responsible decision and reduce travel times in pre-season as they put sporting success over short-term cash injection.
The ideal scenario will be to have most of the transfers in place by the time that Leeds game rolls around, and United are already setting ambitious targets for the same.
A good pre-season can give way to a strong start to the season, and United can’t afford to have another written-off campaign.
Carrick won’t always be there to salvage it. If everything goes right, he will be there to launch the next one perfectly.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox