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Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid team news
01st August, 2026 07:47 AM
Manchester United have confirmed their squad for Saturday’s pre-season clash against Atletico Madrid in the Snapdragon Cup on Saturday, August 1, 2026, with winger Amad Diallo returning to the travelling group for the first time this summer.
The Red Devils departed for Stockholm on Friday, July 30, 2026, ahead of the friendly, which will kick off at 2:00pm BST in the Swedish capital. Head coach Michael Carrick has selected a 23-man squad as preparations for the 2026/27 campaign continue.
Amad’s inclusion is one of the biggest boosts for United, with the Ivorian attacker joining goalkeeper Altay Bayindir in making their first appearances in the club’s pre-season plans. Bayindir’s return increases competition between the posts, giving Carrick four goalkeepers to choose from for the encounter.
Several Academy prospects have also travelled with the senior side and will be hoping to impress the coaching staff. Meanwhile, a separate group of Under-21 players are scheduled to face Altrincham in a pre-season friendly, allowing more young talents to gain valuable match experience.
With competition for starting places intensifying, Carrick now has more options across the pitch as he continues to assess his squad ahead of the new season. The manager is expected to rotate his lineup, giving both experienced players and youngsters an opportunity to stake their claim.
Atleti’s team news
Atletico Madrid are also set to use the match to evaluate members of their squad. Manager Diego Simeone is yet to decide whether to hand summer signing Martin Hjulmand a starting berth or introduce him from the bench.
However, the Spanish side are expected to be without fellow new arrivals Alex Grimaldo and Kang-in Lee, who are unlikely to feature. Midfielder Pablo Barrios is also doubtful after picking up a knock and is not expected to travel to Sweden.
There could, however, be an opportunity for highly-rated 16-year-old defender Jorge Dominguez to feature, while winger Thomas Lemar has returned to training with the first-team group and could be available for selection.
The meeting in Stockholm provides both clubs with another important test as they continue their preparations for the upcoming season, with players looking to build fitness and impress their respective managers before competitive football resumes.
