Manchester United continue their pre-season on Saturday against Atletico Madrid at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm. Both sides are building towards the new campaign, with United opening at Hull City on August 22 and Atletico beginning their La Liga season against Malaga on August 19. It is a useful test for two squads still missing several World Cup participants.
United's summer has been mixed. They lost 1-0 to Wrexham in their opening friendly before responding with an impressive 5-0 win over Rosenborg, in which several players caught the eye. Michael Carrick's side finished third last season and return to the Champions League, adding fresh challenges to the campaign ahead.
Atletico opened their preparations with a 4-1 win over Getafe. Diego Simeone's side finished fourth in La Liga, 25 points behind champions Barcelona, and have recruited Morten Hjulmand, Lee Kang-in and Alejandro Grimaldo. Speculation continues over Julian Alvarez, though the club insist he will stay.
Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid: Key Stats
United beat Rosenborg 5-0 after losing 1-0 to Wrexham
Atletico opened pre-season with a 4-1 win over Getafe
United finished 3rd in the Premier League and return to the Champions League
Atletico finished 4th, 25 points behind Barcelona
Both squads remain without several World Cup participants
Photo Credit (Getty Images)
What to Expect
United welcome back Amad Diallo, who could feature after his World Cup with Ivory Coast. Benjamin Sesko remains a major doubt with a shin problem, while Ugarte and De Ligt are injured. Santos should continue in midfield, and 15-year-old JJ Gabriel is hoping for a debut, while Shea Lacey retains his place after scoring against Rosenborg.
Several senior players remain absent following World Cup involvement, including Fernandes, Rashford, Cunha, Martinez, Dalot, Mainoo and Mazraoui. Tielemans and Senne Lammens are back at Carrington and have an outside chance of featuring. This is another opportunity for younger players to stake a claim.
Atletico are likely to name a similar side to the one that beat Getafe, with Marcos Llorente already back after winning the World Cup with Spain. Koke, Lookman, Le Normand and Oblak should start alongside Hjulmand. Alvarez, Baena, Grimaldo, Molina, Giuliano Simeone and Sorloth all miss out through World Cup involvement.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Heaton; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Mount, Santos; Mbeumo, Lacey, Dorgu; Zirkzee
Atletico Madrid (4-3-3)
Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Koke, Hjulmand, Martin; Mendoza, Lookman, Cubo
Players to Watch
Bryan Mbeumo - Leads United's attack in the continued absence of their World Cup contingent and is one of the few established forwards available. With Sesko doubtful, much of the goal threat falls to him.
Shea Lacey - Has impressed this pre-season and scored against Rosenborg, earning another start. This is a genuine chance for the young attacker to establish himself under Carrick.
Ademola Lookman - Offers Atletico pace and directness in attack and should feature from the start. His movement will test a makeshift United defence.
Morten Hjulmand - Anchors the Atletico midfield after his summer arrival and is central to Simeone's structure. Building understanding with his new teammates is a priority in these matches.
Prediction
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.90
Both sides showed attacking intent in their most recent outings, with United putting five past Rosenborg and Atletico scoring four against Getafe. Neither manager has a settled defence available, and pre-season fixtures of this profile tend to be open.
Atletico carry the greater collective quality with more senior players available, but United's home-tour momentum and attacking options make this difficult to call on the result alone. With both defences unsettled and both sides likely to rotate, goals look the more reliable read than backing a winner.
