Former and future stars gather ahead of Croke Park match

A star-studded gathering at the British Ambassador's residence in Dublin brought together former footballers and the next generation of players ahead of tomorrow's match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Croke Park.

Former Manchester United defenders Denis Irwin and Wes Brown and Leeds United striker Michael Bridges took to the pitch to coach young players and celebrate tomorrow's match between the two clubs.

The pre-season friendly, which will be held at Croke Park, will be the first football match to take place at the stadium in 17 years, since Ireland's 1-0 defeat to France in a World Cup play-off in 2009.

Despite the showdown to come, both sides presented a united front at the Ambassador's residence, a fitting setting given the long-standing links between English and Irish football supporters.

British Ambassador to Ireland Kara Owen said it was important to mark the "historic" match at her home, particularly because of the notable support both Leeds United and Manchester United have in Ireland.

"Tomorrow's match is completely historic. For the first time ever, two English Premier League teams will be facing off at Croke Park and so I wanted to mark it in some way.

"Both clubs have massive Irish following, and they've had really famous and successful Irish players and officers of the club and staff at the clubs all the way through," she said.

Ms Owen added: "The cities themselves, the shape of them, the industries within them, were forged by Irish communities so it couldn't be better, as far as I'm concerned" she said.

For decades, fans from Ireland have travelled to both Leeds and Manchester to support the teams.

However, tomorrow, one of English football's biggest rivalries will arrive in Dublin, with 80,000 fans expected at the sold-out match.

Former Ireland, Manchester United and Leeds United player Denis Irwin believes the match being held at Croke Park is an "important moment".

"Ireland has always been supportive of English clubs," he said.

Irwin added: "Huge Manchester United fan base here and even when I was growing up, a big Leeds fan base.

"So, there's always been that love of English football in Ireland.

"It's great that there's a big match going on at Croke Park. It's a big rivalry. I don't think people understand how big a rivalry this is between Manchester United and Leeds, so it should be a great night."

Although the match is a friendly, both teams, as well as their supporters, know it will be anything but when the players step out onto the pitch.

Former Leeds United striker Michael Bridges is confident his former side will come out on top.

"There's no such thing as a friendly when these two teams come together," Bridges said.

He added: "Leeds have had a good preseason - they got a good 4-2 result against Liverpool in America. Beat Sunderland, over there 1-0 in America as well.

"So, coming back to have another go to try and get three out of three and to stop the defeats coming, I'm saying Leeds are going to win this.

"We're going to lift the Boyle trophy."

Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown reiterated the same sentiment, saying the match will be "competitive".

"There's just over a week until the Premier League starts so I think it'll be a little bit more than a friendly. I think both teams will want to win.

"This is when the managers are really looking to see what the teams are going to be like and who they're going to be selecting in that first game," Brown said.

He added: "I think the players will really want to show the manager what they've got. That's on both sides, and most importantly, I think they both want to win."

The event also gave the next generation of footballers from St Joseph's Football Club in Sallynoggin the chance to see what it takes to follow in the footsteps of the former professionals.

The young players took part in a coaching clinic held on the grounds of Glencairn, getting the opportunity to learn from the former players.

St Joseph's footballers Lily Maguire and Elsie Wise described the experience as "challenging" but "fun", stating that they both hope to play the sport professionally in the future.

But they were less united when it came to predicting tomorrow's winner, with Elsie confidently stating "Leeds" and Lily firmly backing Manchester United.

With tomorrow's match fast approaching, the question of who will come out on top will be one that divides friends, families and the thousands of supporters attending.

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Orijinal haber: https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/0811/1587507-leeds-united-manchester-united-croke-park/