The place is right, the time is now to re-integrate more of the starters into the first team. Yes, we have now reached that part of the preseason for Manchester United. The Red Devils will play their fifth friendly of the preseason in midweek, this time clashing with Leeds United. Yes, a renew of the Roses Rivalry, one of the most historically rich local derbies in all of world football. As this is a friendly, it won’t carry the usual amount of juice and gravity as it usually does, but it’ll still be spirited nonetheless.
Manchester United Preseason Tour 2026
Preseason Friendly #5 vs Leeds United
Kickoff: Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, 7:30 PM UK
Venue: Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland
History behind the Roses Rivalry: go here
Brenden Aaronson Discussing His Side’s Preseason Slate: linked here
Man United Preview Content: Starting XI Prediction Team News
Also, this next edition of the rivalry will be staged at Croke Park, in the Irish capital city of Dublin. So we expect it to be rocking. That all said, we’re thinking team captain Bruno Fernandes will be involved from the opening. Also is Shea Lacey ready to claim a spot in the starting midfield?
Well, maybe only until the new midfield, acquired this summer transfer window, is fully integrated.
Manchester United Predicted Starting XI vs Leeds United
Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw; Andrey Santos, Shea Lacey, Youri Tielemans; Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, Ratings and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Washington Post.