---
title: "Why Man Utd vs Leeds ended early before dramatic penalty shootout win"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2026/08/12/why-man-utd-vs-leeds-ended-early-before-dramatic-penalty-shootout-win/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Man Utd News"
published: "2026-08-12T21:45:00Z"
modified: "2026-08-12T21:45:00Z"
---

# Why Man Utd vs Leeds ended early before dramatic penalty shootout win

**Manchester United’s friendly against Leeds United was brought to an unusual early conclusion at Croke Park after several supporters made their way onto the pitch during the closing stages.**

Michael Carrick’s side were drawing 1-1 when the referee decided to blow for full-time without playing added time, with security repeatedly forced to deal with fans entering the field.

United subsequently won the planned penalty shootout 5-4 to end an eventful night in Dublin.

> 🏆 [@ManUtd](https://x.com/ManUtd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) prevailed on penalties against [@LUFC](https://x.com/LUFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) at [@CrokePark](https://x.com/CrokePark?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) in the BOYLE Sports Cup tonight.\
> \
> ☀️ \>\>\> [https://t.co/VcACc5NVfN](https://t.co/VcACc5NVfN) [pic.twitter.com/3Htnu2azMV](https://t.co/3Htnu2azMV)
>
> — Ticketmaster Ireland (@TicketmasterIre) [August 12, 2026](https://x.com/TicketmasterIre/status/2087647107519836358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Why Man Utd vs Leeds ended early

The problems developed as the match approached the 90-minute mark.

According to [talkSPORT](https://talksport.com/football/4509205/man-united-leeds-friendly-referee-full-time/), one supporter initially breached security before further fans entered the pitch and approached players for photographs.

The interruptions eventually prompted the referee to bring the game to an end without any additional time being played.

The Guardian also reported security concerns surrounding the repeated incursions onto the Croke Park pitch.

It was an unusual ending to the first club football match staged at the historic Dublin venue.

[Joshua Zirkzee had earlier given United the lead](https://readmanutd.com/2026/08/12/watch-joshua-zirkzee-scores-for-man-utd-vs-leeds-after-mbeumo-brilliance/) after excellent work from Bryan Mbeumo, before Brenden Aaronson equalised for Leeds. The score remained 1-1 when the match was ended.

United then prevailed in the shootout despite Bruno Fernandes missing from the spot.

Noussair Mazraoui eventually converted the decisive penalty after James Justin struck the crossbar, sealing a 5-4 shootout victory for Carrick’s side.