Marcus Rashford is in line to make his first Manchester United appearance in 19 months as the club take on Leeds in a Dublin pre-season friendly on Wednesday evening.
Rashford's return to the squad
Rashford returned to United's Carrington training ground on Sunday morning and then travelled with the squad to Ireland later that day. He has not played for United since December 2024, having spent time on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona after being frozen out by former manager Ruben Amorim. He is now back in the fold with a new shirt number, and an appearance against Leeds is likely.
Team news and injury updates
Mason Mount is not expected to be involved after being 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.
Karl Darlow could make his first appearance since joining, though first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who missed the PSG friendly through illness, should start. Tom Heaton sustained a hamstring injury against PSG and received treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Dermot Mee; his involvement is also under question.
Diogo Dalot should see his minutes increase after playing half an hour against PSG, which could see Noussair Mazraoui partner Harry Maguire in central defence. Youri Tielemans is pushing to make his first start after coming off the bench at the weekend, which could see Kobbie Mainoo and Andrey Santos start on the bench. Bruno Fernandes should start.
Predicted lineup and match details
Up front, Patrick Dorgu should continue in attack, supporting lone striker Bryan Mbeumo alongside Amad Diallo. Matheus Cunha was not involved against PSG but will hope for his first minutes of pre-season off the bench. Lisandro Martinez joined the squad later than others after being part of the Argentina team who lost the World Cup final, so is not expected to feature.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Lammens; Dalot, Mazraoui, Maguire, Shaw; Tielemans, Santos; Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo. Doubts: Shaw, Heaton.
The match takes place at 7.30pm on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Croke Park, Dublin.
