Leeds United took to Croke Park to face Manchester United in the BOYLE Sports Cup as they continued 2026/27 Premier League preparations.

The clash was level after 90 minutes following a well worked equaliser from Brenden Aaronson, but the opposition ran out narrow winners on penalties.

Speaking after the game, Daniel Farke said: "First of all, really good stage, more or less for a preseason friendly. Also a competitive game today, so good to prepare for when the real stuff starts.

"Overall a good, good game. I think the draw was probably the fair outcome. First half, it could have been a bit sharper in and out of possession. I was not 100% happy with the first half, although it was also a tight game and 1-1, so it was not like they played us out of the park. But I liked the second half a bit more.

"We were even pushing to win this game, and we were pretty close to win it. But also important to keep our unbeaten run going on now, with tests against teams who are playing in Europe on Champions League level or the last games we're against them. So for that, happy, happy with the performance. Happy also with the draw and feeling a bit proud."

Record signing James Trafford made his debut for the Whites, named in the starting XI by the boss.

"I think the first half was good, also for his confidence," he added. "Everyone could see also why we signed him.

"We're all happy to have him. It's also good right now after he came through the game without an injury, that he has the first 45 minutes on the belt to use the next days in order to work further on with him. And then hopefully he can prove when the real stuff starts what a big signing for us it would be."