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Manchester United secured consecutive preseason wins on Saturday as Michael Carrick's squad delivered an impressive 2–1 victory over Atlético Madrid at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm.
The Red Devils were forced to mount a comeback after conceding within the opening five minutes, with Arnau Ortiz taking advantage of a well-executed short corner routine to put the Spanish club ahead early on.
Bryan Mbeumo proved to be the decisive figure. The Cameroonian forward first slotted home from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute after Shea Lacey was fouled inside the box, then added the winner 21 minutes later. Collecting a deflected ball in the area, Mbeumo held off the goalkeeper's challenge before coolly lifting his effort into the top of the net from close range.
While preseason results seldom carry lasting significance, the caliber of the opposition and the quality of the lineups on show gave Carrick plenty of encouraging signs to take from the match.
Bryan Mbeumo Looking Sharp
Mbeumo was the match-winner against Atlético Madrid, but his contribution went well beyond his brace.
The 26-year-old looked razor-sharp throughout, registering the joint-highest shot count of any player on the field while also fashioning chances and delivering threatening crosses. His direct running, pace and readiness to take on defenders caused Atlético persistent headaches—a notable feat against a team widely respected for its defensive discipline.
If Mbeumo can sustain this form, there is every reason to expect him to significantly surpass his underwhelming debut season and find the net regularly in 2026–27.
Mason Mount Nearly Back to His Best
Mbeumo wasn't the only United player to shine against Atlético Madrid. Mason Mount was arguably the most pleasant surprise of the afternoon.
The England international, whose time at United has been hampered by injuries and inconsistency, was a constant presence. He finished with the joint-most chances created (three), played more passes into the final third than any other player on the pitch (13), completed the third-highest number of accurate long balls (four) and recorded a perfect dribble success rate. He also chipped in with three key defensive contributions.
The only minor concern was his struggles in physical duels, an area that has never been a particular strength. But if this display is any indication, Mount may finally be recapturing the form that established him as one of the Premier League's finest midfielders during his time at Chelsea.
Shea Lacey Is Ready
Another player to turn heads against Atlético Madrid was Shea Lacey, who continued to build his case for a regular first-team role under Michael Carrick this season.
Deployed as United's No. 10, the youngster impressed once more in his third outing of the tour. Tireless without the ball, Lacey pressed with intensity and consistently sought to make an impact whenever United moved forward. Each time the 19-year-old received possession, he looked capable of producing something meaningful.
Perhaps most promisingly, he more than held his own physically against a demanding Atlético side. It was yet another composed display from the academy product, and among all the young players Carrick has brought on tour, Lacey appears the most prepared to make the jump to senior football.
More to Come
As pleasing as the result was, Michael Carrick is still a long way from having his strongest lineup available. The United manager once again named an experimental starting eleven and gave valuable game time to several youngsters, particularly from the bench.
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Several key players remain sidelined. Benjamin Šeško is still working his way back from injury after finishing last season in superb form, while Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez, Kobbie Mainoo and new arrival Youri Tielemans were all absent as they continue to address fitness concerns.
Their returns will inevitably heighten competition for places, but they should also make an already promising United squad even more formidable as the new campaign draws closer.