Marcus Rashford will not make his first appearance for Manchester United in 19 months after he was omitted from the matchday squad for the Red Devils’ Dublin clash against Leeds. The forward returned to training at Carrington on Sunday morning and travelled with the squad to Ireland later that day, but he is not involved for the friendly at Croke Park.
Rashford's absence and return
Rashford has not played for United since December 2024, having spent time on loan at Aston Villa and then Barcelona after being frozen out by former manager Ruben Amorim. He is back in the fold with a new shirt number, in the first signs of a renewed future at his boyhood club, but an appearance against Leeds will not happen.
Team news and injuries
Mason Mount is not involved after he was forced off against PSG after only 20 minutes with a potential foot injury. Manager Michael Carrick said after that game that his withdrawal was precautionary. Goalkeeper Tom Heaton sustained a hamstring injury against PSG and received treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Dermot Mee, and he is out.
Diogo Dalot sees his minutes increase after playing half an hour against PSG, with Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro in central defence. Youri Tielemans was pushing to make his first start since joining, after coming off the bench at the weekend, but he is on the bench once more as Andrey Santos and Tyler Fletcher get the nod. Bruno Fernandes is also amongst the substitutes.
Lineup and match details
Up front, Patrick Dorgu continues in attack, supporting lone striker Bryan Mbeumo, while Joshua Zirkzee could slot in as the No10. Amad Diallo completes the attacking quartet. Lisandro Martinez joined up with the squad later than others, having been part of the Argentina team who lost the World Cup final, so does not feature.
Manchester United XI: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Heaven, Amass; T. Fletcher, Santos; Amad, Zirkzee, Dorgu; Mbeumo. The match kicks off at 7.30pm on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Croke Park, Dublin, and is broadcast on ITV.
