Reds come out on top at packed Croke Park
Manchester United claimed the boost of another victory in front of a packed Croke Park. Dermot Mee proved to be the hero in the shoot-out with a crucial save before Noussair Mazraoui landed the winner. It is a further boost ahead of the start of the season.
Leeds had their own moments in a game that was stop start for a lot of the game. They conjured up a clinical equaliser and had the better moments in the second half. They will be looking to push on this season.
Michael Carrick was still without the returning World Cup trio of Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford. Mason Mount also missed out due to the knock he received against PSG. Senne Lammens took his place in goal having got the No.1 squad number. Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were both rested to allow Harry Amass start and Leny Yoro move to the centre.
James Trafford was making his first start for Leeds after his move from Manchester City. Daniel Farke rested some of his bigger names with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Joe Rodon and Noah Okafor on the bench.
It was a huge attendance in the traditional home of the Gaelic Athletic Association. Players and staff alike appeared impressed as they entered the stadium. They were in rare company of soccer players to have played here.
Diogo Dalot was wearing the captain’s armband and he was in the action early on. His shot from distance was held by James Trafford before his cross found Joshua Zirkzee. His first time effort was also held by the Leeds keeper.
The Dutch forward was celebrating on 16 minutes though. It was a well crafted breakaway goal which started with Harry Amass heading a cross clear. It came to Bryan Mbeumo who skipped free of an attempted challenge. He rolled the ball into the path of Zirkzee who took a touch before firing past Trafford.
Mbeumo almost landed a second on the half hour. It was neat combination play between himself and Zirkzee again. The ball rebounded off a defender to allow him the shot. Trafford was just able to tip it around the post.
The reds were on top, but it was the whites who scored next. A long ball was not dealt with properly by Tyler Fletcher. It allowed Daniel James to nip the ball ahead of him and pass inside to Brenden Aaronson. The winger, who scored against us last season, found the bottom corner.
Mbeumo almost restored the advantage just before the break. His drive from the edge of the area took a deflection on the way and rattled off the bar.
Both sides were level at half time despite one or two half-chances.
Leeds came out the brighter in the second-half and almost landed a lead goal. Joe Rodon found space out wide before putting in a dangerous ball. It was met by Harry Wilson but Lammens was equal to it. Dominic Calvert-Lewin then had an opportunity but couldn’t get proper contact on his header.
The crowd was cheering at the sight of Bruno Fernandes coming on. He almost had them celebrating further on 76 minutes. He received a pass before turning and shooting past the sub keeper Alex Cairns. It was ruled out for offside though.
He almost did better on 82 minutes. It was good build up involving Matheus Cunha, Youri Tielemans and Noussair Mazraoui. He scarcely had room but managed to clip the ball goal-wards from around 20 yards. It smacked off the crossbar with Cairns well beaten.
There was to be no further action in normal time so it was decided to go to penalties.
Once the scattering of fans were cleared off the pitch, both sides stepped up. Both scored their first before Dermot Mee saved from Wilson to give Utd the advantage. It appeared to be blown when Fernandes slid his wide. Tielemans held his nerve to send it to sudden death. James Justin smacked his off the bar and Mazraoui hammered into the bottom corner to confirm the win.
Another win and another cup. The business will begin in earnest so it is critical key players get some game time. And movement can be made in the transfer market. The final pre-season game sees us take on AC Milan on Saturday. Leeds take on Augsburg at Elland Road on the same day.
Leeds: James Trafford (Alex Cairns 46), Jayden Bogle (Wilfred Gnonto 46), Rhys Chadwick (James Justin 46), Tarik Muharemovic (Alfie Cresswell 46), Jaka Bijol (Joe Rodon 46), Sebastiaan Bornauw, Ao Tanaka (Ethan Ampadu 46), Sean Longstaff (Anton Stach 46), Brendan Aaronson (Harry Wilson 46), Daniel James (Noah Okafor 46), Lukas Nmecha (Dominic Calvert-Lewin 46).
Subs not used: Rory Mahady, Jayden Lienou, Callum Mills, Joe Piroe
Booked: None
Sent Off: None
Manchester United: Senne Lammens (Dermot Mee 61), Diogo Dalot (Noussair Mazraoui 60), Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven (Daniel Armer 46), Harry Amass (Luke Shaw 61), Andrey Santos (Toby Collyer 46), Tyler Fletcher (Youri Tielemans 61), Amad Diallo (Jack Fletcher 61), Joshua Zirkzee (Matheus Cunha 61), Patrick Dorgu (Tyler Thompson 46), Bryan Mbeumo (Bruno Fernandes 60)
Subs not used: Fred Heath, Honor, JJ Gabriel, Shea Lacey.
Booked: None
Sent Off: None
Referee:
Attendance: 82,300
Simply Red Man of the Match: Bryan Mbeumo
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