Croke Park is set to host Premier League clubs for the first time when Manchester United take on rivals Leeds United in a pre-season friendly in August.
The connection that exists between Manchester United and Ireland has been strong for decades.
Not only did great United players come from Ireland, such as Paul McGrath and Roy Keane, but United fans across the Irish Sea have been known to travel far and wide to support the team.
United will travel to Ireland next week for a four-day training camp, but they are also set to return to Dublin in August for a pre-season friendly.
Manchester United flag at the Aviva Stadium in 2023
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Michael Carrick coaching the team at Carrington
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Croke Park to host Man Utd vs Leeds pre-season friendly
Croke Park is primarily a Gaelic games stadium as it’s the headquarters of the GAA.
This means it is rare for football matches to be held at Croke Park. The only time there were exceptions was for the construction of the Aviva Stadium, where United have played pre-season friendlies in past.
According to the Irish Independent, Croke Park will host Premier League clubs for the first time when United face Leeds in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday, August 12.
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The last football match played at Croke Park was a World Cup play-off when France controversially ended Ireland’s chances of qualification. It became an infamous tie due to Thierry Henry’s blatant handball in the build-up to the goal.
This news will excite United fans across the sea. It also gives those living in Manchester and other areas across the UK and beyond an excuse to visit Dublin before the 2026/27 campaign begins.
Croke Park has a total capacity of 82,300 spectators, making it the largest stadium in Ireland.
We will have more updates on United’s pre-season friendly against Leeds once it is confirmed by the club. An announcement could come at any point following Tuesday night’s exclusive report.
Are Roy Keane’s concerns valid? Or is he just adding needless negativity to the Michael Carrick debate?
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When did Man Utd last play a pre-season friendly in Dublin?
The friendly against Leeds in August will mark United’s first pre-season encounter in Dublin since 2023.
At the Aviva Stadium, United drew 1-1 against Athletic Bilbao as Facundo Pellistri scored the only goal for Erik ten Hag’s side.
Pellistri’s goal came in the 93rd minute to cancel out Nico Williams’ opener, which came after a mistake from Harry Maguire.
51,731 fans attended the game in Ireland’s capital.
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