Manchester United XI vs Leeds: Predicted lineup, team news and Marcus Rashford return latest

Marcus Rashford could make his long-awaited Manchester United return when Michael Carrick's side face Leeds United in Wednesday's pre-season friendly at Croke Park.

The England international has not featured for United since December 2024, having spent time on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona after falling out of favour under former manager Ruben Amorim.

Now back at Carrington and wearing a new squad number, Rashford travelled with the squad to Dublin after returning to training on Sunday, putting him in line for his first appearance in nearly 19 months.

Rashford's inclusion in the travelling squad is another sign that he has been reintegrated into Carrick's plans ahead of the new season.

His return follows a lengthy spell away from Old Trafford, during which he rebuilt his form on loan before returning to his boyhood club this summer.

A cameo against Leeds would mark an important milestone as United continue their preparations for the Premier League campaign.

Manchester United will also welcome back several players following their involvement at the World Cup, although there are still question marks over parts of the squad.

Mason Mount remains a doubt after suffering a foot problem during the friendly against Paris Saint-Germain. Carrick suggested the midfielder's substitution after 20 minutes was purely precautionary.

In goal, summer signing Karl Darlow could make his unofficial debut, but Senne Lammens is expected to return after missing the PSG fixture through illness.

Tom Heaton is another concern after sustaining a hamstring injury in the same match.

New signing Youri Tielemans is expected to challenge for a place in the starting XI after making his first appearance from the bench at the weekend.

His inclusion from the start could see Kobbie Mainoo and Andrey Santos begin among the substitutes, while captain Bruno Fernandes is expected to feature from kick-off.

Further forward, Patrick Dorgu is likely to continue in an advanced role alongside Amad Diallo, supporting striker Bryan Mbeumo.

Summer arrival Matheus Cunha, who was absent against PSG, could also make his first pre-season appearance from the bench.

The only first-team player yet to return is Lisandro Martinez, who remains unavailable after helping Argentina reach the World Cup final.

Lammens; Dalot, Mazraoui, Maguire, Shaw; Tielemans, Santos; Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo

Doubts: Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Tom Heaton

Unavailable: Lisandro Martinez

Manchester United face Leeds United in Dublin on Wednesday in their penultimate pre-season fixture before the new campaign begins. Carrick is expected to continue building match fitness for his returning World Cup players while assessing Rashford's readiness for a full return to competitive action.