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12 August 2026

Manchester United beat Leeds United 5-4 in the penalty shootout after their pre-season friendly in Dublin finished 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes.

Captain Bruno Fernandes unusually failed to convert from the spot, but Noussair Mazraoui stepped up to calmly score the decisive penalty in front of a packed crowd at Croke Park on Wednesday.

On the overall run of play, the Red Devils were worthy winners given the volume of chances they fashioned, while Leeds had the crossbar to thank for helping them stay level during normal time.

Joshua Zirkzee netted United’s opening goal and continued his impressive pre-season run, leaving Michael Carrick with a major decision to make over his future.

It was Bryan Mbeumo who created the chance perfectly for the Dutch forward after a blistering counter-attack down the left side.

The Cameroon international might easily have had at least two goals himself if not for the post and goalkeeper James Trafford. Bryan Mbeumo managed two shots overall and also completed every one of his dribbles.

The former Brentford star was just as effective without the ball, winning 100 per cent of his tackles as well as three ground duels.

He also pressed tirelessly, regaining possession on three occasions and earning one foul for his team.

The head coach will be extremely pleased by what he has seen from the 27-year-old while leading the line on his own.

With three goals and one assist in his last three friendlies, Bryan Mbeumo appears to be hitting peak rhythm at exactly the right time for his club.

With Benjamin Sesko sidelined through injury, Marcus Rashford eager to move on, and Zirkzee’s future still uncertain, the Cameroon international will need to rise to the occasion once the Premier League campaign gets under way.

He did not enjoy the best spell when Carrick was in charge last season, and he will be determined to put that right this time.