Manchester United edged Leeds United 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in a historic pre-season friendly at Dublin's Croke Park, marking the first club football match ever played at the iconic home of Gaelic games.

The match was brought to an abrupt end before stoppage time could be played after a wave of young pitch invaders ran onto the field seeking selfies with players, prompting the referee to blow the final whistle and send the contest straight to a shootout. Noussair Mazraoui converted the winning spot-kick after James Justin struck the crossbar for Leeds.

Zirkzee Shines in Dublin

Operating in the No 10 role in Michael Carrick's fluid 4-2-4 pressing system, Joshua Zirkzee opened the scoring with an emphatic left-footed finish. The goal came after Bryan Mbeumo produced a dazzling run, nutmegging both Jaka Bijol and Tarik Muharemovic before laying the ball off to the Dutchman.

With ongoing transfer speculation linking him to Juventus, Zirkzee turned in a sharp performance that served as an ideal showcase. Diogo Dalot, captaining United, frequently inverted into midfield, while youngsters Harry Amass, Ayden Heaven, Andrey Santos, and Tyler Fletcher also earned valuable minutes.

Leeds equalised after Fletcher was dispossessed by Dan James, who set up Brenden Aaronson to finish past goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Trafford Makes Record Debut

Leeds gave a debut to goalkeeper James Trafford following his club-record £40 million ($54m) move from Manchester City. Playing the first 45 minutes, Trafford displayed composure outside his box, distribution, and made several sharp saves—denying both Zirkzee and Mbeumo—before making way for Alex Cairns at half-time.

Daniel Farke's rotated side grew into the game in the second half, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin linking play effectively alongside Noah Okafor and Anton Stach, while Joe Rodon offered an attacking threat from defence.

Rashford Sidelined Ahead of Milan Clash

Marcus Rashford was present at Croke Park but did not feature, with Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo also rested. Carrick confirmed post-match that the trio were held back to preserve them for the weekend.

"Marcus, Licha, and Kobbie aren’t quite ready yet. We’re preserving them for this weekend," Carrick told MUTV.

The decision sets up Rashford for a potential return on Saturday when Manchester United travel to face AC Milan, managed by Ruben Amorim. Leeds United wrap up their pre-season campaign on the same day against Augsburg.