Man Utd and Leeds draw in Dublin as Rashford sits out

Manchester United and Leeds United served up a competitive pre-season meeting at Croke Park, drawing 1-1 in regular time before Michael Carrick's side came through the penalty shoot-out. Joshua Zirkzee scored for United and Brenden Aaronson replied for Leeds, while Marcus Rashford was not involved despite renewed attention on his place in the squad.

Zirkzee and Aaronson strike in entertaining draw

The old rivalry still carried an edge in Dublin, where a large crowd watched two familiar opponents trade goals in an otherwise tight contest. Zirkzee found the net for Manchester United, with Bryan Mbeumo providing the opening, while Leeds responded through Aaronson after good work involving Dan James.

Leeds again showed attacking intent in pre-season, producing five shots on target over the course of the game. Daniel Farke's team were competitive throughout, but could not quite finish the evening on top as United took the shoot-out.

Rashford absent despite fresh focus

Much of the build-up centred on Rashford after his return to Carrick's training group this week, yet the forward did not make an appearance. The occasion had raised the prospect of a first sighting of Rashford in a United shirt for more than 18 months, but that wait goes on.

Even so, Carrick indicated that Rashford remains part of his thinking, suggesting the forward offers a different option. His absence in Dublin therefore felt notable, but not necessarily definitive, particularly in a pre-season setting where workload and timing often shape selection.

Carrick mixes youth with senior quality

United's manager held several established names back until later in the match and instead gave a number of younger players extended minutes. Full-back Harry Amass was singled out as the standout among that group, taking his chance in a side that blended development with preparation.

When Bruno Fernandes and new signing Youri Tielemans were introduced after the hour, United's attacking play sharpened. Their link-up helped create openings for Matheus Cunha, while Fernandes also had a goal ruled out for offside after being played through by Luke Shaw. He later struck the crossbar as United pushed for a winner in normal time.

Useful workout before the season

For United, this was a valuable exercise that offered encouraging signs from Zirkzee, Mbeumo and several younger players, even if the spotlight remained fixed on those who did not start or feature. For Leeds, the performance continued a productive summer in front of goal, though the shoot-out denied them a stronger finish to the night.

• Joshua Zirkzee scored for Manchester United
• Brenden Aaronson scored for Leeds United
• Marcus Rashford did not feature
• Manchester United won the penalty shoot-out 5-4

As a pre-season contest, the result itself mattered less than the details around selection, rhythm and sharpness. On that front, both sides left Dublin with useful information, and United in particular with several talking points still unresolved.