Manchester United vs Leeds: Pre-Season Showdown in Dublin
Manchester United step up their pre-season preparations in Dublin tonight, facing old rivals Leeds at Croke Park in their penultimate friendly before the Premier League kicks off.
With only two games left before the opener at Hull City on August 22, Michael Carrick is expected to lean heavily on his senior players, sharpening fitness and combinations rather than experimenting wildly.
Carrick weighs his options at the back
In goal, Senne Lammens is set for his first start of the summer after illness ruled him out of the clash with Paris Saint-Germain. His return offers United some welcome continuity in a position that has seen rotation in recent weeks.
At right-back, Noussair Mazraoui started against PSG, but Carrick may hand those minutes to Diogo Dalot this time. Dalot has been short of action, and this stage of pre-season is usually when managers lock in their preferred options.
Ayden Heaven struggled on Saturday, and that performance could open the door for Leny Yoro to come in alongside Harry Maguire at centre-back. With the season so close, Carrick can no longer ignore form, even in friendlies.
Midfield puzzle after Mount scare
The midfield has quietly become one of United’s bright spots this summer. Andrey Santos and Mason Mount have formed a promising partnership, offering balance and energy.
But Mount’s early withdrawal in Gothenburg changed the picture. He was taken off midway through the first half, raising fears of a setback. Both player and manager insisted it was only precautionary, yet Carrick might not risk him from the start in Dublin.
That scenario would hand Youri Tielemans a first start of the summer alongside Santos. It’s an intriguing combination: Tielemans’ passing range with Santos’ drive gives United a different look in the middle.
Bruno Fernandes, who got his first minutes of pre-season at the weekend, is expected to return to his familiar No.10 role. That would push youngster Shea Lacey out of the starting XI, though the club still anticipate a bigger first-team role for him over the coming campaign.
Rashford back, but likely from the bench
Marcus Rashford has rejoined the squad in Dublin, his reintegration a notable subplot. His future remains uncertain, but for now he is back in the group and back on the grass.
Even so, a starting place tonight looks unlikely. The same applies to Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez, who only recently returned from World Cup duty and are still being eased in.
On the right, Amad has done everything asked of him. His display on Saturday strengthened his claim, and he should have done enough to keep his place in the front line.
On the left, Patrick Dorgu may get another opportunity as he continues to learn and refine the role. Carrick has been patient with him, valuing the chance to mould a versatile option in wide areas. Matheus Cunha is another candidate to start there, provided he has fully shaken off the illness that sidelined him at the weekend.
Mbeumo makes his case up front
Up top, Carrick’s ideal scenario is clear: Benjamin Sesko leading the line. The problem is just as clear. Sesko has not played since the win over Liverpool at Old Trafford last season and is still working back to full sharpness.
Until that happens, Bryan Mbeumo has seized his moment. He has been one of United’s standout performers in pre-season, lively and decisive in the final third. On current form, starting him as the central striker feels inevitable.
For Carrick, tonight is about more than a traditional rivalry in Dublin. It is about locking in a spine, testing partnerships under pressure, and deciding who is ready for Hull — and who still has work to do.
