A CAPACITY crowd is expected when Manchester United face Leeds United in a pre-season friendly at Dublin’s Croke Park this summer.
The English football rivals will face one another on Irish soil on Wednesday, August 12.
The fixture, confirmed today, marks the first club football match ever played at the Irish stadium and the first football match of any kind since November 2009 - when the Republic of Ireland faced France in a FIFA World Cup play-off in front of 79,000 fans.
When Man Utd take on Leeds in August, the 82,000 seat venue is expected to be full.
“With a huge following for both clubs across Ireland, the game, which has been sanctioned by the FAI, is expected to attract a capacity crowd and create a unique atmosphere at the iconic venue,” a spokesperson for Croke Park said today.
“Both clubs have a rich Irish heritage with football icons Roy Keane, Denis Irwin, John O’Shea and Frank Stapleton among the legends to have starred for Manchester United, while Gary Kelly and Ian Harte had memorable careers at Leeds,” they added.
“Johnny Giles played for both clubs over the course of his career.”
Jason Wilcox, Manchester United’s Director of Football, said the team were “excited” to be heading to Dublin.
“Playing an important fixture against one of our biggest rivals gives us a fantastic opportunity to connect with our supporters in Ireland,” he said.
“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.”
Leeds United’s Chief Business Officer Morrie Eisenberg said they were also “looking forward” to the Ireland fixture.
“We are excited at the prospect of returning to Dublin again this summer, our support in Ireland is huge which was demonstrated last year,” he said.
“Croke Park is one of the most historic venues in the world and we are looking forward to renewing our rivalry with Manchester United in what will be the first football match at the stadium since 2009, which will also serve as important preparation for the campaign ahead,” he added.
Tickets went on pre-sale exclusively to Man Utd and Leeds Utd season ticket holders at 4pm today.
Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday, April 10.
In addition to the August fixture, Man Utd’s men’s first team will also be in Dublin for a training camp next week, from April 6 to 9.
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