Manchester United XI vs Leeds: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for friendly

Marcus Rashford is in contention to make his first Man Utd appearance since December 2024

Marcus Rashford could make his first appearance for Manchester United in 19 months during Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Leeds in Dublin.

Michael Carrick’s side have crossed the Irish Sea for their penultimate pre-season friendly, and will be boosted by the return of several first-team players after the World Cup.

Chief among them is Rashford, who returned to Man Utd’s Carrington training ground on Sunday morning and then joined the rest of Carrick’s squad on the plane to Ireland.

Rashford has not played for United since December 2024, having since spent time on loan at Aston Villa and then Barcelona after being frozen out by former manager Ruben Amorim.

But he is back in the fold, and with a new shirt number, in the first signs of a renewed future at his boyhood club. An appearance against Leeds is likely.

Marcus Rashford with the Man Utd squad in Dublin

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It remains to be seen is Mason Mount is fit to be involved after he was forced off against PSG after only 20 minutes with a potential foot injury. Carrick said after the game that his withdrawal was precautionary.

There could be a first appearance for summer signing Karl Darlow, though first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who missed the friendly against Paris Saint-Germain through illness, should start.

Fellow goalkeeper Tom Heaton sustained a hamstring injury against PSG and received treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Dermot Mee. His involvement is also under question.

Diogo Dalot should see his minutes increase after playing half an hour against PSG, which could see Noussair Mazraoui could partner Harry Maguire in central defence.

Youri Tielemans is pushing to make his first start since joining, after coming off the bench at the weekend, which could see Kobbie Mainoo and Andrey Santos start on the bench. Bruno Fernandes should get the nod from the off.

Up front, Patrick Dorgu should continue in attack, supporting lone striker Bryan Mbeumo alongside Amad Diallo. Matheus Cunha was not involved against PSG but will hope for his first minutes of pre-season off the bench.

Lisandro Martinez is the only squad member still not back for pre-season, having been part of the Argentina team who lost the World Cup final.