Historic Match: Manchester United and Leeds United Face Off at Croke Park

Croke Park in Dublin is set to host its inaugural soccer match between two English clubs when Manchester United takes on Leeds United in a pre-season fixture on Wednesday.

This encounter is notable as it marks the fourth meeting between the two teams in eight years, with their last match ending in a goalless draw in July 2025. The 82,300-capacity stadium is sold out for this historic event, as it has not hosted association football since 2009 and had never done so prior to 2007.

Croke Park has a complex history, previously associated with Irish nationalism and subject to the Gaelic Athletic Association's Rule 42, which prohibited foreign sports. This rule was amended in 2007, allowing for temporary use of the stadium for soccer and rugby, and became permanent in 2010. The venue has since hosted significant events, including rugby matches and a visit from Queen Elizabeth II in 2011, reflecting changing attitudes towards English sports in Ireland.