Leeds United vs Manchester United

There are no league points at stake at Croke Park, but this Dublin friendly matters as both clubs finish preparations for the 2026-27 Premier League season, which kicks off 22 August. Leeds United, back for a second successive top-flight campaign, open away at Nottingham Forest, while Manchester United host newly-promoted Hull City, making this one of the last real tests before then. Leeds have been erratic in preseason, losing to Wrexham before beating Sunderland 1-0 and staging a wild 4-2 comeback over Liverpool, Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring twice from long throws. New signings Harry Wilson and goalkeeper James Trafford add depth. Manchester United look sharper, following their own Wrexham defeat with a 5-0 romp past Rosenborg and a battling 2-1 win over Atlético Madrid, Bryan Mbeumo scoring both goals. United dominate the head-to-head, leading 50-27 across 115 meetings in a rivalry dating to 1965. Expect goals in an open, attacking contest, with United's extra firepower shading it. Our prediction: 1-2