Leeds United continue their preparations for the 2026-27 season with a high-profile preseason meeting against Manchester United at Croke Park in Dublin, and Tarik Muharemovic is expected to be involved from the start.
The rivalry may be historic, but Wednesday’s meeting also provides both teams with an important opportunity to assess their squads before competitive football returns. Leeds arrive in Ireland carrying encouraging momentum, while Manchester United are still searching for greater consistency during their summer preparations.
Leeds Head Into Manchester United Clash in Strong Form
Daniel Farke’s side have produced a positive run of preseason results and their latest performance offered another reason for optimism. Leeds recorded a convincing 2-0 victory over RB Leipzig, extending a sequence of strong displays against top-flight opposition.
The progress follows an impressive second half of last season, when a tactical switch helped Leeds become considerably more difficult to break down. That defensive improvement played a major role in moving the club away from relegation trouble and securing a comfortable finish in the Premier League table.
Leeds also enjoyed success against Manchester United last season. The first meeting ended in a 1-1 draw at Elland Road before the Whites later claimed a memorable victory at Old Trafford.
With confidence high and another large crowd expected in Dublin, Farke's team will be hoping to carry that momentum into one of their biggest preseason fixtures.
Tarik Muharemovic Expected in Leeds Defence
Tarik Muharemovic is included in the predicted Leeds starting lineup for the meeting with Manchester United.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina defender is projected to form part of the defensive unit alongside Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol, with Jayden Bogle and other members of Farke’s squad providing width around the back line.
The Manchester United fixture represents another valuable test for Muharemovic against high-level attacking opposition. United are expected to field several established first-team players, meaning Leeds’ defensive organisation could be tested considerably more than in a typical preseason match.
For Muharemovic, the game also offers another opportunity to strengthen his position in Farke’s plans ahead of the new campaign.
James Trafford Could Make Leeds Debut
One of the other major talking points surrounding Leeds is the possible first appearance of goalkeeper James Trafford.
Trafford has joined the club from Manchester City and could make his unofficial Leeds debut in Dublin, with Lucas Perri expected to complete a loan move to Torino.
Jaka Bijol is also back in action, while Noah Okafor could be introduced gradually after receiving additional rest following the World Cup.
There are, however, injury concerns within the squad. Gabriel Gudmundsson is expected to miss the match after suffering a hamstring problem, while Ilia Gruev remains sidelined with a knee injury.
Manchester United Continue Preseason Preparations
Manchester United enter the match following a 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Red Devils have experienced mixed results during preseason and will use the Leeds fixture as another opportunity to sharpen their performance before the start of the domestic campaign.
Several players who were given extended breaks after the World Cup have now returned to the squad. Marcus Rashford could make his first appearance for Manchester United in 19 months after spending last season on loan at Barcelona.
Lisandro Martinez has also returned following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final, although United are monitoring the fitness of several members of their squad. Mason Mount is a fresh concern after suffering a foot problem against PSG, while goalkeeper Tom Heaton is expected to miss the match because of a hamstring issue.
Predicted Leeds Lineup vs Manchester United
Leeds predicted XI: Trafford; Muharemovic, Rodon, Bijol; Bogle, Ampadu, Stach, Gnonto; James, Calvert-Lewin, Wilson.
The lineup would give Leeds a strong defensive core while also offering attacking pace and experience further forward.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Leeds
Manchester United predicted XI: Lammens; Dalot, Mazraoui, Maguire, Shaw; Tielemans, Santos; Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo.
United are expected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bruno Fernandes operating in an advanced role behind Bryan Mbeumo.
Man Utd vs Leeds Prediction
There has been very little between the two clubs in their recent meetings, and another competitive encounter is expected at Croke Park.
Leeds look organised and confident after three consecutive victories against top-flight opponents, while Manchester United possess enough individual quality to cause problems even if their preseason form has been less convincing.
Farke’s side have already shown they can frustrate United, and their defensive structure could once again play a major role.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Leeds United.
When Is Manchester United vs Leeds?
The preseason friendly will be played at Croke Park in Dublin on Wednesday, August 12.
- Match: Manchester United vs Leeds United
- Venue: Croke Park, Dublin
- Date: Wednesday, August 12
- Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. BST
How to Watch Manchester United vs Leeds
The game is scheduled to be available across several broadcasters depending on location.
In the United Kingdom, coverage is listed on MUTV, ITV 1, ITVX, STV, Premier Sports Player and Premier Sports 2. Viewers in the United States can follow the game through CBS Sports Golazo and Paramount+, while Claro Sports is listed for Mexico.
Final Preseason Test for Tarik Muharemovic and Leeds
While the result will not carry competitive consequences, the meeting with Manchester United is another important step in Leeds’ preparations for the new season.
For Tarik Muharemovic, another start against Premier League opposition would provide valuable minutes and another chance to demonstrate his qualities within Farke’s defensive system.
With Leeds entering the game in good form and Manchester United continuing to integrate returning players, the Croke Park encounter should provide both managers with a useful indication of where their teams stand ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
