The pre-season friendly between Manchester United and Leeds could yet be cancelled depending on how the rest of the 2025/26 season plays out.
Manchester United announced pre-season arrangements this week ahead of a mid-season training camp in the Republic of Ireland.
One of the fixtures has set United up for a return to Dublin in August, facing Leeds in a game that will see two Premier League clubs play at Croke Park for the first time.
However, two scenarios in play could see the game cancelled, with Leeds already telling fans that travel costs won’t be refunded.
Daniel Farke not looking happy on the touchline
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Man Utd vs Leeds clash in Dublin not guaranteed to go ahead
It will be an iconic moment if United vs Leeds goes ahead in Dublin.
The match marks a historic return to association football at Croke Park for the first time since November 2009, when the Republic of Ireland faced France in a World Cup play-off.
Croke Park is one of Europe’s largest venues with a capacity of 82,300. This gives both clubs a chance to connect with their many supporters in Ireland.
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Fans planning to attend the match – with or without tickets – should note that there is a chance the game won’t be staged if Leeds are relegated from the Premier League or somehow win the FA Cup.
A statement on the official Leeds website reads: “Please note, this fixture is subject to Leeds United retaining Premier League status. This fixture is also subject to the club not participating in the 2026 FA Community Shield.
“The club will not offer refunds on travel expenses in the event of relegation or participation in the 2026 FA Community Shield. The ticket operator will offer refunds on tickets sold for the match.”
Leeds will take on West Ham in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, but winning the competition outright would see them qualify for the Community Shield, which would clash with the arranged friendly.
In addition to that, Leeds could drop back to the Championship. Daniel Farke’s side are just four points adrift of the relegation zone, with seven games left to play.
Of course, United host Leeds in the Premier League on April 13 after returning from a four-day training camp at Carton House, Kildare.
Michael Carrick will be hoping to strengthen United’s grip on a top-four finish as well as add to Leeds’ relegation fears.
Do you think the four-day training camp in the Republic of Ireland is a good idea?
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Michael Carrick coaching the team at Carrington
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Man Utd vs Leeds ticket prices raise eyebrows
Season ticket holders were given early access to buy tickets on Thursday, 2 April, with the general sale commencing on Friday, 10th April.
While the tickets were advertised at €50 (£43.60) for adults and €25 (£21.80) for children under 16, that didn’t include additional booking fees, so there was an even higher cost for those looking to attend the pre-season friendly.
For instance, the author of this piece was charged €95 (£82.83), which is a lot for a friendly encounter.
Another United season ticket holder spoke to United In Focus after paying €420 (£317.33) for four tickets in the Cusack Stand.
That’s the price of a Euro away, or two domestic games, if fans who travel from Ireland to games each season really think about it.
It would be cheaper to attend the opening Premier League match of the 2026/27 season.
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