Manchester United beat Leeds United 5-4 on penalties to win the Boyle Sports Cup at Croke Park in Dublin, after the match was cut short by a series of pitch invasions. The friendly, which attracted more than 80,000 fans, was stopped by officials and went straight to a shootout, where Noussair Mazraoui scored the decisive kick.
Pitch invasions end match early
The game was brought to a premature end after several spectators ran onto the pitch during the closing minutes. A couple first dashed onto the field to take selfies with Youri Tielemans, Bruno Fernandes, and Matheus Cunha, and were soon followed by others. Officials blew the whistle and sent the teams to penalties.
In the shootout, Fernandes rolled his effort wide, but Dermot Mee saved from Harry Wilson and James Justin hit the bar, allowing Mazraoui to win it for United. The trophy joins the Snapdragon Cup they won in Stockholm 10 days ago.
Mbeumo impresses in pre-season
Bryan Mbeumo continued his strong pre-season form, having scored three goals against Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. He turned provider for United's opening goal, setting up Joshua Zirkzee for a left-footed finish, and later forced a brilliant save from James Trafford.
Leeds equalised through Brenden Aaronson after Daniel James pounced on a mistake by Tyler Fletcher. The 19-year-old, who started in place of Mason Mount, was also dispossessed on other occasions.
United's squad depth concerns
The match highlighted United's need for reinforcements. Harry Amass struggled at left-back, conceding too many free-kicks, while Fletcher's inexperience was exposed. With less than three weeks of the transfer window remaining, the squad's lack of depth remains a concern for the season ahead.
