Manchester United have added another piece of silverware to their pre-season collection after overcoming Leeds United on penalties to win the Boyle Sports Cup at Croke Park in Dublin.
The contest ended 1-1 after an entertaining 90 minutes, leaving the rivals to settle the trophy through a penalty shootout. United eventually prevailed 5-4, with Noussair Mazraoui calmly converting the decisive penalty to spark celebrations among the travelling supporters.
United opened the scoring when Joshua Zirkzee finished confidently following a clever assist from Bryan Mbeumo. Leeds responded later in the game, with Brenden Aaronson capitalising on a defensive error to bring his side level and set up a tense finale.
Neither team could find a winning goal before the final whistle, sending the match into the dramatic lottery of penalties. United kept their composure from the spot, while Mazraoui carried the responsibility of taking the final kick and delivered when it mattered most.
The victory represents another encouraging moment for Michael Carrick as Manchester United continue preparing for the 2026/27 season. Carrick rotated his squad throughout the match, giving several players important minutes before bringing some of the club’s major names into the action during the second half.
Although the Boyle Sports Cup is only a pre-season trophy, the win provides United with another confidence boost as they build towards the new campaign. The performances and results will now give Carrick plenty to assess before the competitive fixtures begin.
Manchester United finish the night as Boyle Sports Cup champions after a 1-1 draw and a 5-4 penalty shootout victory, with Mazraoui emerging as the hero.
The major trophies will be contested when the real season begins, but for now, United are already putting silverware in the cabinet and giving their supporters plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about what lies ahead.
