Croke Park staged the largest-ever crowd for a soccer match in Ireland as Manchester United defeated Leeds United in a penalty shootout (5-4) to claim the inaugural Boylesports Cup.

The 82,000-strong crowd packed into GAA headquarters yesterday evening for the first association football match at the famous venue in 17 years, which finished 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes.

Joshua Zirkzee gave the Red Devils the lead in the 16th minute before Brenden Aaronson equalised for Daniel Farke’s side just shy of the half-hour mark.

Mayo All-Ireland winners Tommy Conroy and Cillian O’Connor were in attendance and interviewed on the pitch at half-time, with the latter bringing out the match ball at the start of the game.

Man United brought on big guns like captain Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha and new signing Youri Tielemans in the second-half but couldn’t find a winner, with the match going straight to  penalties after the 90 minutes and it was fellow substitute Noussair Mazraoui’s spot-kick which sealed victory for Michael Carrick’s side.

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