EPL

Manchester United in Ireland: Squad update & preview ahead of Leeds United and AC Milan ties

Luke Oluoch 10th August, 2026 09:01 AM

Manchester United arrived in the Republic of Ireland’s County Kildare training camp on Saturday evening, August 8, 2026, ahead of their final two friendly games against Leeds United and AC Milan.

The Red Devils will face the Premier League side first on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Dublin’s huge Croke Park stadium, before hosting AC Milan on Saturday, August 15, in their sixth and final preseason friendly.

United approach the clash on a fine run, having seen a dominant show against PSG end in a draw to snap their two-game winning run against Rosenborg (5-0) on Thursday, July 24, and Atletico Madrid(1-0)on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

Milan searching for its first win

Rúben Amorim is still searching for his first pre-season victory as AC Milan manager ahead of a high-profile showdown against Manchester United. The Portuguese tactician opened his pre-season campaign with back-to-back draws, a 2–2 thriller against Celtic on Saturday, July 25, followed by a 1–1 draw in the Derby della Madonnina against Inter Milan on Wednesday, August 5.

A pre-season friendly action between AC Milan and Inter Milan. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/Inter/photos

Chelsea then inflicted Amorim’s first defeat on Saturday, August 8, scoring three past the Rossoneri in a 3–0 loss. His final test before the Serie A season kicks off will come against Manchester United on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Amorim will likely face a full-strength Manchester United squad as World Cup stars continue to return to action. Among the early returnees is club captain Bruno Fernandes, who featured in United’s recent 1–1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, August 8.

A pre-season action between Manchester United and PSG on Saturday, August 8, 2026 in Sweden. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/manchesterunited/photos

New signing Youri Tielemans, who joined from Aston Villa, also made his appearance, showing glimpses of what he brings to the squad with an impressive 25-minute stint after replacing Andrey Santos in Gothenburg.

Rashford’s return

United’s options have been further boosted by the return of England duo Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, who re-joined the squad at their Ireland training camp on the evening of Sunday, August 9. With international stars back in rotation, United present a tough final test for Milan before both sides head into their respective domestic campaigns.

The friendly is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, with kick-off at 5:45 pm.