Man Utd vs Leeds United friendly finishes early as multiple pitch invaders stop match

Manchester United's game against Leeds United was brought to a premature halt as pitch invaders raced onto the pitch for selfies with some of the big-name stars. As the ball went out of play in the 89th minute following a Manchester United attack, five or six children raced onto the pitch to pose for pictures with some of their favourite players.

Two made their way to the middle of the pitch for a picture with Youri Tielemans, who stopped what he was doing to pose for the young lads. The two kids then ran off the field of play, one with his hands aloft as he was cheered by the crowd, while a member of the security team gestured for them to leave the pitch.

The security appeared to be booed by those in the ground, before cheers broke out as they safely made their way back into the stands. Their success prompted more kids to run onto the pitch, this time one United fan made a beeline for Bruno Fernandes, who also entertained the youngster, posing for a picture as more cheers broke out.

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More members of the security team made their way onto the pitch to remove the children, who had delayed play by two minutes, and referee Neil Doyle blew the whistle early to end the game.

Speaking on ITV commentary, Sam Matterface said: "Some young supporters have come running onto the pitch, which is not particularly helpful but they're being entertained by some of the senior players.

"I don't think Daniel Farke is too happy about it. One has become two, now two has become three. They're all kids who are going up for selfies which is not great.

"Because the players are standing there and doing it, it's encouraging more to come on and do it. We've got a fourth one coming on which has caused a delay to proceedings and it makes a mockery of the security.

"A fifth one escapes a barrier and starts charging on, oh and a sixth. We'll have the whole lot on in a minute. Oh dear. It's a little bit of fun but it's not the greatest end to the match itself and the referee has decided to call a halt to proceedings to finish the game off and it'll be a penalty shootout at the end of the match.

"Those incursions onto the pitch by some of the younger fans has just brought us to a premature close. We will have a penalty shootout for you very shortly."

Joshua Zirkzee had given United the lead infront of a packed out Croke Park in the 16th minute after some great play from Bryan Mbeumo down the left.

However, their lead lasted just 13 minutes with Brenden Aaronson equalising just before the half hour mark. Neither side was able to find a breakthrough and a penalty shootout was needed to separate the two teams.

The PA announcer had to interrupt the shootout to warn fans not to invade the pitch during the shootout as play would have to stop once more.

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