Only seven weeks have passed since United’s defeat to Southampton in the Championship play-off final yet there are now less than four weeks until the start of the new Championship campaign over the weekend of August 9-11. United’s players are now entering their third week back in pre-season training and a key date presents itself this week via the club’s first summer friendly. By then, there will be just three weeks to go until the curtain raiser and here we run through the next key dates in the build up to United’s new promotion push and the season itself.

1. Harrogate Town pre-season friendly
Friday, July 19. Harrogate Town v Leeds United - 7.30pm kick-off. Followed by pre-season trip to Germany. Photo: Pete Norton

2. Football at Paris 2024 Olympics
Wednesday, July 24 - Saturday, August 10. Photo: DIMITAR DILKOFF

3. Guiseley pre-season friendly
Saturday, July 27: Guiseley v Leeds United under-21s at Nethermoor (3pm). Photo: George Wood

4. Leeds v Valencia pre-season friendly
Saturday, August 3 (3pm kick-off at Elland Road). Photo: Aitor Alcalde

5. First game of new season
Saturday, August 10: Leeds United v Portsmouth at Elland Road (12.30pm kick-off). Photo: Michael Regan

6. Carabao Cup first round
Wednesday, August 14: Leeds United v Middlesbrough at Elland Road (8pm kick-off). Photo: Stu Forster