Manchester United V Leeds United pre-season friendly to air on ITV
ITV will broadcast live coverage of the pre-season clash between Manchester United and Leeds United from Dublin on Wednesday, August 12.
ITV will broadcast live coverage of the pre-season clash between Manchester United and Leeds United from Dublin on Wednesday, August 12.
Manchester United vs. Leeds United Live Broadcast: Key Details
Match Date & Time: Wednesday, August 12, 2026; Kick-off at 7:30 pm (Coverage begins at 7:00 pm)
Venue: Croke Park, Dublin (80,000 capacity)
UK TV & Streaming: Live on ITV1 and ITVX
US TV & Streaming: Live on USA Network and DIRECTV
Presenter & Team: Hosted by Hugh Woozencroft; analysis from John O’Shea and Michael Brown; commentary by Sam Matterface and Lucy Ward; pitchside reports from Gabriel Clarke
Historic Rivalry Takes Over Croke Park
English football’s iconic “Roses Rivalry” moves across the Irish Sea as Manchester United and Leeds United face off in a blockbuster pre-season fixture in Dublin.
Though designated as a friendly, matches between these two historic clubs carry decades of fierce competitiveness. This encounter holds special significance as it marks the first time a club association football match will be hosted at Dublin’s legendary 80,000-capacity Croke Park, a venue traditionally reserved for Gaelic sports.
With both teams finalizing their preparations ahead of the new campaign, managers on both sides will be looking for a high-intensity performance in front of a passionate Irish crowd.
Star-Studded ITV Presentation Team
UK viewers can catch complete live coverage starting at 7:00 pm on ITV1 and streaming on ITVX, with kick-off set for 7:30 pm.
The broadcast will be anchored by Hugh Woozencroft, who brings extensive presenting experience to the pitchside desk. Joining him for expert studio analysis are former Manchester United defender John O’Shea—a veteran with deep ties to Irish football—and former Leeds United midfielder Michael Brown.
Match commentary will be delivered by Sam Matterface alongside co-commentator Lucy Ward, with chief sports reporter Gabriel Clarke providing live updates and post-match interviews from the sidelines.
Deep Roots and High Stakes: The Teams
Manchester United
Club History: One of the most decorated clubs in world football, boasting 20 English top-flight titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies.
Irish Connection: The Red Devils possess a deep-rooted historical connection with Ireland, having fielded iconic Irish stars throughout their history, including Denis Irwin, Roy Keane, John O’Shea, and Frank Stapleton.
Pre-Season Objective: Under pressure to build early-season momentum, United will use this high-profile friendly to integrate key additions, sharpen match fitness, and solidify their tactical setup.
Leeds United
Club History: A cornerstone of English football with three top-flight league titles and an enduring legacy built during their legendary era under Don Revie.
Irish Connection: Leeds also claim a massive Irish fanbase, bolstered by the club careers of Republic of Ireland international legends like Gary Kelly, Ian Harte, and Johnny Giles (who famously played for both clubs).
Pre-Season Objective: Armed with a physical, fast-paced style of play, Leeds will treat this fixture as a serious benchmark test, aiming to assert themselves against top-tier opposition.
How to Watch internationally
United Kingdom: Tune in live on ITV1 or stream on-demand via ITVX starting at 7:00 pm BST.
United States: American fans can watch the broadcast live on USA Network or stream the coverage live on DIRECTV.
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