Croke Park eyes more Premier League action after Manchester United showcase success

Croke Park chiefs are looking to make Premier League preseason friendlies a regular fixture at the Dublin stadium after Manchester United’s clash with Leeds went down a treat with locals.

Last week's meeting between the two English rivals was the first football match played at Croke Park in 17 years, and the sell-out crowd of 82,000 watched the Red Devils claim victory on penalties.

Peter McKenna, Croke Park’s stadium and commercial director, has now said the venue is working with TEG Sport to explore how similar events could be staged at the stadium more consistently in the coming years.

McKenna would ‘love' more Premier League action in Ireland

Speaking to the Irish Times, McKenna said:

“I'd love it if we could. We’re working with a partner, TEG Sport, and that’s what we’ll be charging them with, as part of their connection with us, to see how we do this in a more consistent, proper way.

“Something that’s regular, and can be anticipated and planned for, is a far better style of event.”

The GAA amended Rule 42 in 2005 to temporarily allow soccer and rugby at its grounds, before the policy was permanently lifted in 2010. Croke Park has since hosted major rugby internationals, NFL and college football games and other events.

82,000 fans have packed out Croke Park in Dublin for the Man United vs Leeds United pre season friendly 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/3MZ8Snjq3C

— Football Away Days (@AwayDays_) August 12, 2026

While the decision to host non-GAA sports was initially controversial, McKenna believes opposition has eased. He said:

“Some people have a view, and they make that view known. I think we all respect that. My role and the role of my teams is to try and generate as much revenue as we can, and 83% of what we take in is redistributed through our association.

“Croke Park is a big financial engine for the association.”

McKenna would ideally like to see an annual Premier League preseason fixture in Dublin, although he accepted he would need the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool or Arsenal to be interested each summer to sell out Croke Park.

FGG says: A match everyone can get behind

In theory, a pre-season match at Croke Park each summer should work for the money men and fans alike. There is clearly demand for it, as evidenced by the Man Utd vs Leeds match selling out back in April, and it would give football fans in Ireland the chance to see some of their heroes in action.