NafisaLeeds United could be handed an intriguing subplot when they face Manchester United in Dublin on Wednesday, with Daniel Farke’s side potentially coming up against a player who only recently walked away from Elland Road.
The Whites and the Red Devils are preparing to meet at Croke Park in what should be one of the most interesting fixtures of pre-season, with both clubs using the occasion as another opportunity to fine-tune their squads ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
For Leeds, the game represents another chance for Farke to assess his players before the competitive action begins.
For Manchester United, meanwhile, it could provide an opportunity for some of their returning players to get valuable minutes under their belts.
And that is where an unexpected twist could emerge.
One Manchester United player has only recently joined up with the squad after being absent from the club’s earlier pre-season preparations.
His return to training has raised the possibility that he could finally make his first appearance for the Red Devils.
The timing could hardly be more interesting.
Should he feature, his first outing in United colours could come against the very club he represented last season.
Manchester United confirmed on 9 August that several players had returned to the club’s training base in County Kildare ahead of the Dublin fixture.
Among them was a familiar face to Leeds supporters.
That player is Karl Darlow.
The 35-year-old goalkeeper left Leeds United when his contract expired at the end of last season before making the surprise move to Manchester United.
Darlow had been Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper for significant portions of the previous campaign, but the club ultimately decided to move in a different direction after securing the signing of James Trafford from Manchester City.
Now, just weeks after leaving Elland Road, Darlow could potentially find himself lining up against his former employers.
Darlow could make Manchester United debut against Leeds
Darlow’s involvement in the fixture had initially been uncertain because he had not featured in Manchester United’s preparations for the new campaign.
That changed when he returned to training alongside a number of United’s first-team players.
The Manchester club revealed that nine players had returned to their base ahead of the meeting with Leeds, with Matheus Cunha, Kobbie Mainoo, Senne Lammens and Marcus Rashford among those involved.
Darlow was also part of that group.
That naturally raises the possibility of him being involved at Croke Park.
There has been no guarantee that the goalkeeper will play, but if Michael Carrick’s side decides to give him minutes, the storyline would be difficult to ignore.
It would mean Darlow making his first appearance for Manchester United against the club he has just left.
For Leeds supporters, that could add an extra layer of spice to what is already a highly anticipated pre-season meeting.
The goalkeeper’s departure was something of an unexpected development.
Darlow had been a dependable option for Leeds, but his contract situation ultimately opened the door for him to move elsewhere.
Manchester United then provided the destination.
Leeds, meanwhile, had already made their decision about the position.
Trafford’s arrival has changed the picture completely.
James Trafford gives Leeds a new era between the posts
Leeds spent heavily to bring Trafford back to Yorkshire from Manchester City, making him their new first-choice goalkeeper.
The England international is expected to be Farke’s long-term number one, giving the Whites a player they hope can establish himself between the posts for years to come.
That is important because Leeds had not always enjoyed complete certainty in the position.
Darlow had provided experience and reliability, but the club ultimately decided that an upgrade was required as they prepared for life back in the Premier League.
Trafford now has the opportunity to establish himself as the undisputed number one.
And if Darlow does end up starting for Manchester United on Wednesday, the contrast could make the fixture even more fascinating.
The former Leeds goalkeeper would be looking to make a positive first impression in his new colours, while Trafford will be determined to demonstrate why Leeds made such a significant investment in him.
There is also the possibility of a rather awkward reunion.
Darlow knows many of the Leeds players and staff extremely well after spending time at Elland Road, while several Leeds supporters will undoubtedly be watching closely if he steps onto the pitch.
Leeds could make Darlow regret his decision
From a Leeds perspective, there would be no better way to welcome their former goalkeeper back than by putting him under pressure.
If Darlow is selected, Leeds will have the opportunity to make his first Manchester United appearance a difficult one.
A strong attacking performance and a victory for Farke’s side would certainly give the former Leeds man something to think about.
Even better for the Whites would be Trafford keeping a clean sheet at the opposite end.
Of course, it remains only a pre-season friendly, and neither side will want to read too much into the result.
The real importance comes later.
Leeds will face Manchester United in the Premier League at Elland Road on 17 October before travelling to Old Trafford for the return fixture on 15 May, although the latter could be moved for television scheduling.
Those matches will matter considerably more than Wednesday’s meeting in Dublin.
But that does not mean the Croke Park clash will lack intrigue.
For Leeds fans, seeing Darlow potentially line up against them only weeks after leaving could add another fascinating storyline to the occasion.
The goalkeeper has moved on.
Leeds have moved on too.
And with Trafford now installed as Farke’s number one, Wednesday could provide the first glimpse of a new chapter between the posts at Elland Road — while simultaneously giving Darlow the chance to begin his own chapter at Manchester United.
The reunion, should it happen, could be one of the most interesting moments of the entire Dublin friendly.
Nafisa
