Manchester United and Leeds United played out exactly the kind of chaotic, emotionally charged fixture that their rivalry demands. The two clubs met at Croke Park in Dublin on August 12 as part of their preseason preparations for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, drawing 1-1 before United prevailed 5-4 in a penalty shootout.
The match at Croke Park
Both sides traded blows across 90 minutes of regular time, finishing level at 1-1 before the contest moved to penalties. Five successful conversions from the Red Devils against four from Leeds gave the Manchester club the win at 5-4. The shootout format was reportedly tied to a trophy on offer should the match go to penalties.
A rivalry that never takes a day off
The fixture carried extra spice because of what happened the last time these two met competitively. On April 13, 2026, Leeds traveled to Old Trafford and came away with a 2-1 victory in the Premier League.
