Leeds United and Manchester United set historic pre-season clash at Dublin's Croke Park

Leeds United and Manchester United are set to clash in a pre-season friendly in Dublin, the first occasion two English football clubs have played at Croke Park, which is at full capacity. The stadium, steeped in Irish nationalist history and previously restricted by the GAA's Rule 42, opened to soccer and rugby after amendments in 2007 and a permanent policy shift in 2010. Croke Park last saw a football match in 2009, and the venue's 82,300 seats have been sold out for this historic encounter.

Organisers note the significance of bringing a globally renowned club like Manchester United together with Leeds, whose fan base is sizable in Ireland. Discussions now focus on ticket resale costs rather than the lingering controversy over "foreign" sports. The match underscores the deep connections between the clubs and Irish football heritage, reinforced by former players and Irish supporters.