[FREE TO READ] Manchester United regrouped in Ireland – now they face seven games that will define their season

If you want an example of how peculiar a 40-game season can be for a club like Manchester United, consider how Amad and Bryan Mbeumo spent their Tuesday lunchtime.

During a 24-day gap between fixtures, the pair found themselves holding a press conference to promote a pre-season friendly that is four months away and might look very different by then.

Leeds United are the slated opponents at Croke Park on 12 August, but if Daniel Farke’s side win the FA Cup, their involvement in the Community Shield will scupper those plans. And if they are relegated from the Premier League, they will have already started their season in the Championship.

Benjamin Sesko attended Croke Park itself for a photoshoot earlier in the week and surprised those he met with his knowledge of Gaelic football and hurling, having caught GAA matches while channel-hopping.

The gaping holes in Manchester United’s schedule allow for such promotional events to take place – but that was not the primary purpose of the trip, however.

The focus was a three-day training camp to prepare for Monday’s much-anticipated return to action against Leeds at Old Trafford, and a seven-game run that should lead to Champions League qualification and a far fuller fixture schedule next season.