Man Utd Face Atletico Madrid: Everything You Need to Know Before the Clash

Manchester United continue their preparations for the 2026–27 season as they face Atlético Madrid in Sweden this weekend.

The Red Devils are navigating a hectic summer schedule, having already played two preseason fixtures. Results so far include a 1–0 defeat to Wrexham and a commanding 5–0 win over Rosenborg.

Four youth players found the net in Norway on their last outing, among them highly touted 19-year-old Shea Lacey. Joshua Zirkzee's stunning individual goal stood out as the highlight of United's impressive win, which left manager Michael Carrick thoroughly satisfied.

"Two games in, two weeks in, I think we can take where we are and we're pretty happy," he said after the final whistle.

The challenge steps up considerably on Saturday, however, even with Atlético Madrid missing a number of first-team regulars. Their preseason got underway with a straightforward win over La Liga counterparts Getafe, and they've been reasonably active in the transfer market bolstering their squad.

Atléti ended last season in fourth place, a massive 25 points behind champions Barcelona. While Diego Simeone's men won't be tipped to unseat the Blaugrana this term, they'll be eager to at least challenge the league's top two.

Man Utd vs. Atlético Madrid Prediction

Red Devils Build on Rosenborg Battering

These two clubs have crossed paths four times in competitive action, with Man Utd yet to claim a win. Their most recent encounter saw Atléti squeeze through a tense Champions League round of 16 tie 2–1 on aggregate back in 2022.

While the Spanish side will always bring intensity and determination, they're still finding their rhythm this summer. Key player Julián Alvarez is unavailable, and Simeone is expected to give opportunities to the academy talents at his disposal.

Carrick also has a talented group of youngsters to call upon, complementing a core of senior players set for prominent roles next season. Fans may also get their first look at some new arrivals in Sweden this weekend.

The additional match experience United have accumulated could prove advantageous at this early stage, and if the second half turns into a battle of youth prospects, United's academy crop looks well-placed to deliver.

Prediction: Man Utd 3–1 Atlético Madrid

Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Atlético Madrid

Carrick has shown no hesitation in giving summer starts to several likely key figures for next season, and new recruit Youri Tielemans is anticipated to make his club debut this weekend.

Tielemans has linked up with the touring squad in Sweden alongside fellow Belgian Senne Lammens, who will be keen to move on from the costly mistake that contributed to Belgium's World Cup exit.

A solid defensive unit started against Rosenborg in the previous outing, with Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu operating on the wings. With Benjamin Šeško sidelined, Zirkzee led the attack and is expected to do so once more. Fans are also eagerly anticipating a glimpse of 15-year-old attacking midfielder JJ Gabriel.

World Cup finalist Lisandro Martínez is managing a thigh problem, while Matthijs de Ligt is not expected to return from his back complaint until the autumn.

Man Utd predicted lineup vs. Atlético Madrid (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Tielemans, Santos; Mbeumo, Lacey, Dorgu; Zirkzee.

Atlético Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd

Atléti are missing several internationals who had lengthy World Cup runs, including Álex Baena, Nahuel Molina, Giuliano Simeone and Alexander Sørloth. New addition Alejandro Grimaldo is also ruled out.

Another summer signing, Morten Hjulmand, has been included in Simeone's squad, though it remains too early for Lee Kang-in, who completed his move from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week.

Although academy players make up a large portion of the roster, there are also several seasoned figures present, including Koke, Jan Oblak and the oft-overlooked Thomas Lemar.

The club have made clear they have no intention of selling Julián Alvarez to Barcelona this summer, with the striker expected to return for the start of his preseason on August 10.

Atlético Madrid predicted lineup vs. Man Utd (4-3-3): Oblak; Domínguez, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Mendoza, Hjulmand, Koke; Martín, Esteban, Lookman.

What Time Does Man Utd vs. Atlético Madrid Kick Off?

How to Watch Man Utd vs. Atlético Madrid on TV

Enable functional cookies to see this feature.