Normal time in Manchester United’s pre-season friendly against Leeds at Dublin’s Croke Park on Wednesday ended in bizarre fashion when two young fans ran on to the pitch to take selfies with Bruno Fernandes. When security did not immediately intervene, at least three other pitch invaders joined in and play did not restart before referee Neil Doyle blew for full-time. The match, the first game of association soccer at the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 2009, was played in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 80,000. It ended 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes after Joshua Zirkzee gave United a 16th-minute lead before Leeds equalised just before the half-hour mark, with Brenden Aaronson scoring after good work from former United winger Daniel James.
“We played some really good football. “They came back into the game, and in the second half there were a few changes and it was important to get some minutes in some of our lads. “The young lads did well, it was everything we expected of them. Winning the game is always nice. Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford were among those watching on, not involved after only joining the training camp at the start of the week following the World Cup.
Noussair Mazraoui scored the decisive spot-kick as Manchester United won 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out.
“First half we were really dangerous and could’ve had a number of goals,” United manager Michael Carrick told ITV. Before the match, Carrick said he was holding the trio “in reserve” for Saturday’s friendly against former boss Ruben Amorim and AC Milan in Wroclaw, Poland — potentially Rashford’s first appearance in a United shirt since December 2024.
Carrick Affirms Rashford’s Role at United Following Loan Return
Michael Carrick, former midfielder for Manchester United and England, expressed confidence in Marcus Rashford’s abilities, stating, “He’s our player.” Rashford has recently returned to Old Trafford after a loan spell at Barcelona, which has sparked discussions about his impact on the team moving forward.
