‘Excited’ – Manchester United DOF Relishing Leeds United Friendly | OneFootball

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Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox has welcomed a pre-season clash with one of the club’s biggest rivals in the shape of Leeds United.

There is an intense rivalry between Manchester United and Leeds United, though it was dampened somewhat by the Whites having a lengthy spell outside the Premier League.

Now another meeting has been added to the calendar as the pair are scheduled to face off against each other on 12th August, which will be the first time a club football fixture will be played at Croke Park.

Manchester United’s match against Leeds United will be a pre-season friendly as the Red Devils go through pre-season over the course of July and August.

Leeds will also begin their pre-season in July and will be in action in the United States with friendly matches against Wrexham, Sunderland and Liverpool.

Last season, Manchester United and Leeds clashed in a pre-season friendly in July at Strawberry Arena in Sweden, with the match ending in a 0-0 draw.

Wilcox believes the pre-season friendly against one of Manchester United’s biggest rivals will help the club prepare themselves and build momentum ahead of a big campaign.

The Red Devils’ director of football also feels playing at the Croke Park stadium in Dublin will help the club connect with the Irish supporters and also ensure the team are in the strongest possible shape ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Wilcox told Manchester United’s official website: “We’re excited to be heading to Dublin to face Leeds United as part of our pre-season preparations ahead of a big campaign.

“Playing an important fixture against one of our biggest rivals gives us a fantastic opportunity to connect with our supporters in Ireland.

“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.”

Manchester United are currently third in the Premier League table and are looking to book their spot in next year’s Champions League.

Leeds are currently in 15th place with 33 points from 31 matches, with top flight safety not yet assured.

The Whites are due to travel to Old Trafford for their clash against Manchester United next on 13th April after the conclusion of the international break.

In the Premier League this season, both teams meet in January at Elland Road, and the match between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw.