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Mbeumo: This is why we are here
Bryan Mbeumo says Manchester United are using the stay in the Republic of Ireland to enjoy the best preparation possible for our return to Premier League action, against Leeds United.
Michael Carrick's side finally end a long pause in action on Monday 13 April, when the Old Trafford clash against the Emirates FA Cup semi-finalists kicks off at 20:00 BST.
In the meantime, the squad is away in Dublin, not only working hard to maintain sharpness but promoting the pre-season encounter with the Yorkshire outfit at Croke Park.
That friendly fixture is on Wednesday 12 August, with a pre-sale for tickets already in place.
"Now is a little rest, I would say, for us but it's always hard to find the rhythm. I think that is why we are here as well, to get ready for the next game and just be as strong as possible.
"Obviously, it's clear for everyone and, with the position we are now in, obviously we want to finish as strongly as possible and reach the top positions in the table, hopefully playing in the Champions League."
Mbeumo appreciates the job Carrick is doing as head coach but understandably would not be drawn on our former midfielder's prospects of keeping the post in the long term.
"We've got good experience with him [Carrick]," he said. "It's not for us [as a players] to decide [who will be in charge next season] but we're going to try to take as much as we can from him.
"He knows the DNA of the club, he knows how to talk to us as well and I think it's been easier because he knew the 'house' so it has been great to work under him."
Amad and Mbeumo in Dublin
PRESS CONFERENCE | Amad and Bryan Mbeumo field questions in Dublin...
The forward has enjoyed a positive first season at Old Trafford and respects Leeds as opponents, not just on Monday night but also in the summer game, that will prove to be an ideal warm-up for the new campaign.
"Obviously, first of all, playing Leeds is a big rivalry for the club," he added. "So it's going to be always good to play these kind of games, especially in this stadium [Croke Park], a big stadium.
"We know we have a big community of fans here and, of course, we're very excited to play in front of them.
"Our one big aim is to be ready for the start of the season, so I think we're just going to try to work as hard as possible to be ready for that."