Overview
Manchester United started the pre-season period unsuccessfully when losing to Wrexham 0-1. However, the "Red Devils" quickly regained confidence with a 5-0 victory over Rosenborg, a match that witnessed many players playing outstandingly and scoring points with coach Michael Carrick.
The Old Trafford team still has 4 friendly matches with Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds United and AC Milan before entering the opening match of the 2026-2027 Premier League against rookie Hull City on August 22.
Because many key players have just returned after the 2026 World Cup, Man United still does not have the strongest force. However, the players will successively gather in the coming days to complete the preparation process for the new season in time.
On the transfer market, the "Red Devils" have successfully recruited Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow. However, the club's board of directors still aims to add three new players before the summer transfer window closes, promising to bring a busy period at Old Trafford.
After finishing third in the Premier League last season and winning a Champions League spot, Carrick's team is expected to continue to compete in the leading group, although a tight schedule will be a significant challenge.
On the other side, Atletico Madrid opened the pre-season stage with a 4-1 victory over Getafe. Diego Simeone's team will meet Manchester City and Marseille in turn before kicking off La Liga 2026-2027 with a reception of Malaga on August 19.
Last season, Atletico only ranked fourth in La Liga and was 25 points behind champion Barcelona. Therefore, the capital team of Spain soon strengthened its forces with three new players Morten Hjulmand, Lee Kang-in and Alejandro Grimaldo to aim for a more competitive season.
Meanwhile, the future of Julian Alvarez is still a topic of interest. Although Barcelona continuously pursues the Argentine striker, Atletico affirms that this striker is not in the transfer plan and will continue to be an important factor for the team in the 2026-2027 season.
Personnel situation
Man United welcomes good news about the force when Amad Diallo has recovered and is named in the registered squad for the friendly match with Atletico Madrid. The return of the Ivory Coast international brings more options for Michael Carrick in attack.
However, the "Red Devils" are still missing some key players. Benjamin Sesko cannot return due to a shin injury, while Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs de Ligt are also sidelined because they are not in the best physical condition.
On Atletico Madrid's side, Diego Simeone is expected to keep the same squad that defeated Getafe 4-1 in the most recent friendly match. Marcos Llorente has returned to the squad after winning the 2026 World Cup with the Spanish national team and is likely to continue to participate from the beginning.
Captain Koke, Ademola Lookman, Robin Le Normand, goalkeeper Jan Oblak and rookie Morten Hjulmand are also expected to start.
Expected lineup:
Man United: Heaton, Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw, Mount, Santos, Mbeumo, Lacey, Dorgu, Zirkzee.
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri, Koke, Hjulmand, Martin, Mendoza, Lookman, Cubo.
The match between Man United and Atletico Madrid takes place at 8:00 p.m. on August 1 (Vietnam time).
