Manchester United game may not go ahead

Manchester United’s preparations have taken an unusual turn.

Utd are focused on securing a return to Champions League under Michael Carrick.

United travelled to the Republic of Ireland for a four-day training camp to prepare for their Premier League run-in.

United are scheduled to face Leeds United in a pre-season clash in August at Croke Park, an iconic 82,000-capacity venue in Dublin.

It is set to be the first time an English side has played at Croke Park.

However, while United have no concerns, the situation is far more complicated for their rivals.

Leeds United have already warned supporters that the game may not go ahead.

In a statement on their website, they said, “Please note, this fixture is subject to Leeds United retaining Premier League status.

“This fixture is also subject to the club not participating in the 2026 FA Community Shield.”

The caveat opens the door to two possible scenarios where the match is cancelled.

If Leeds are relegated, or if they win the FA Cup and qualify for the Community Shield, scheduled for 16 August at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, the Dublin clash would be called off.

There is also a scheduling issue.

The opening matches of the 2026/27 EFL season are set to take place between 14-16 August, which would directly clash with the proposed friendly if Leeds drop out of the Premier League.

The two sides drew 1-1 in January, while they also played out a 0-0 stalemate in pre-season before the current campaign got underway.

Their next meeting is scheduled for next week Monday, but United will be without a key figure.

Harry Maguire miss will the clash after being sent off in United’s last match against Bournemouth, meaning Carrick will have to reshuffle his defence at a crucial moment in the run-in.

Leeds United remain dangerously close to the relegation zone, with only a four point cushion separating them from the bottom three, meaning every game from here could define both their Premier League future and whether that Dublin fixture even goes ahead.

Their FA Cup journey is also still ongoing, with them in the semi-finals against Chelsea, keeping alive the possibility of reaching the final and booking a place in the Community Shield, another factor that could derail their plans to face United next season.

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