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.
Manchester United training at Carton House in Co. Kildare
Photo By David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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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.
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“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
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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.
Both teams still have a lot to play for, and it promises to be a heated encounter.
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