Man Utd survive Leeds test to lift pre-season trophy

Manchester United defeated bitter rivals Leeds United 5-4 on penalties after their pre-season friendly ended 1-1 at Croke Park in Dublin on Wednesday.

Joshua Zirkzee opened the scoring for United in the 16th minute after Bryan Mbeumo produced a fine piece of play to create the opportunity.

Leeds responded shortly afterwards, with Brenden Aaronson beating United goalkeeper Senne Lammens to level the score.

Neither side could find a winning goal in the second half, sending the match straight to a penalty shootout.

United eventually prevailed in sudden death after Bruno Fernandes missed his spot-kick, with Noussair Mazraoui converting the decisive penalty to secure victory and the Boyle Sports Cup for Michael Carrick’s side.

The result gave United their second pre-season trophy and continued their preparations for the new Premier League campaign.

Carrick was particularly pleased with his side’s first-half display, although he acknowledged that Leeds improved after the break.

“First half we were really dangerous and could’ve had a number of goals. We played some really good football,” Carrick said after the match.

“They came back into the game, and in the second half there were a few changes and it was important to get some minutes in some of our lads.”

He also praised United’s younger players for their contribution.

“The young lads did well, it was everything we expected of them. Winning the game is always nice!” he added.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke, meanwhile, was pleased with his team’s performance and the confidence gained from holding United to a draw.

“It was a good friendly for both teams. A good performance, and we pushed in the second half,” Farke said.

“To come away with a good draw against a team like Man Utd is good for the confidence.”

Farke also singled out goalkeeper James Trafford, who recently joined Leeds, describing him as a player capable of reaching the highest level.

“James Trafford is a player who has the potential to be world-class. If he keeps going like this he will rise to the top,” he said.

United will conclude their pre-season schedule against AC Milan in Wroclaw on Saturday before opening their new Premier League campaign against newly promoted Hull City next weekend.

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