Manchester United face Atletico Madrid at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm on Saturday afternoon in their most demanding pre-season test so far, as both clubs continue preparations for the new campaign with large portions of their squads still returning from the World Cup.

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Carrick’s side bounced back well from their opening 1–0 defeat to Wrexham with a 5–0 thrashing of Rosenborg, but Atletico represent a significant step up in quality. Diego Simeone’s side arrived in pre-season with a confident 4–1 win over Getafe and carry European pedigree that will stretch United’s squad across 90 minutes. Both clubs open their domestic campaigns in August — United host Hull City on 22 August in the Premier League, while Atletico travel to Malaga on 19 August in La Liga.

Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid – Match preview and team news

• Date: Saturday, 1 August 2026
• Kick-off: 14:00 BST
• Venue: Strawberry Arena, Stockholm
• Last meeting: Atletico Madrid 1–0 Manchester United, 30 July 2022, Club friendly

Manchester United team news

Carrick continues to manage a lengthy list of World Cup absentees. Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martínez, Kobbie Mainoo, Matheus Cunha, Noussair Mazraoui and Marcus Rashford are all still on extended breaks following their involvement in North America. New signing Youri Tielemans has reported to Carrington and completed his first training session, but has not travelled to Stockholm — his debut will have to wait. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens is in the same position.

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Benjamin Sesko remains a significant doubt with a shin injury being carefully managed, while Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs de Ligt are both sidelined through injury. Amad Diallo has returned from his World Cup commitments and could feature in the matchday squad. Andrey Santos, signed from Chelsea, is expected to start in central midfield alongside Mason Mount.

Atletico Madrid team news

Simeone is also missing several key figures still recovering from World Cup participation. Julián Álvarez, Alex Baena, Alejandro Grimaldo, Nahuel Molina, Giuliano Simeone and Alexander Sørloth are all absent. Álvarez’s situation carries additional complexity — Barcelona and Arsenal have been linked with the Argentina striker this summer, though Atletico insist he will not be sold.

Marcos Llorente has already returned to training after helping Spain win the World Cup and is expected to start. New signing Morten Hjulmand, the Danish midfielder who arrived from Sporting CP, is expected to make his debut. South Korea international Lee Kang-in, signed from PSG for £34.2m, is unavailable due to complications with military service obligations. Ademola Lookman, who scored twice against Getafe, is the most dangerous attacking option available to Simeone.

Form

Manchester United

Last season’s third-place Premier League finish secured Manchester United a Champions League return — a significant turnaround after Carrick inherited a side that had flirted with relegation the previous campaign. This summer’s recruitment has focused on the midfield, with Tielemans and Santos arriving to provide the energy and quality the engine room lacked. The pre-season picture has been encouraging despite the mixed results — the cohesion shown in the Rosenborg win, where five different players scored, suggests the new additions are integrating well.

Atletico Madrid

Simeone’s side finished fourth in La Liga last season, 25 points behind champions Barcelona — a gap that prompted significant summer recruitment. Hjulmand, Grimaldo and Kang-in have all arrived, though only Hjulmand is available on Saturday. Despite the absences, the 4–1 win over Getafe showed that the squad retains quality in depth. Lookman’s brace underlined his importance in the absence of Álvarez, while the defensive unit of Oblak, Le Normand and Hancko looks settled.

Predicted lineups

Manchester United predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Heaton; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Mount, Santos; Mbeumo, Lacey, Dorgu; Zirkzee

Atletico Madrid predicted XI (4-3-3): Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Koke, Hjulmand, Martin; Mendoza, Lookman, Cubo

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Anaheim (Calif.) Servite athlete Benjamin Harris has committed to Oregon State and broke down why he chose the Beavers.

Harris took his official visit to Corvallis back on June 19, the final big trip weekend of the month. Going in to the visit, we thought the Beavers were in a good spot and they were able to seal the deal earlier this week.

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“I really connected well with the coaching staff,” Harris said. “I really appreciated the honesty from the staff and how everyone treated not just me but my family when I visited.

“They have a specific plan in place for me in the offense and that was another big plus as well. They don’t see me at a specific position but want to move me all around and use me a weapon as a running back and receiver and I love that fit.”

Oregon State running back Lee Marks and receiver coach James Finley were the lead recruiters with Harris. Former Beaver great James Rodgers was the player the staff compared to Harris in terms of how they would like to use him.

“Yeh I love that fit,” Harris said. “I can play running back, receiver, the slot, do a little of everything. I was tempted to commit on my visit but wanted to wait and make sure.

“I feel great about it now and I’m excited about my decision. It feels great to have it locked in before my senior season. Now I can just go out and focus on my senior year and school and not have to stress about recruiting or where I’ll be playing in college.”

Harris had a busy spring tearing up the track and put up some historical numbers along with his Friar teammates. Servite won their second straight CA State Championship and broke the state record for most points ever scored and Harris was a huge part of that. 

He finished 1st in the 100m with a personal best 10.14 time, placed 5th in the 200m with a time of 20.84 and anchored the schools 4X100m relay that finished with a time of  39.73, the 2nd fastest time in state history. 

He’s currently rated a high three-star with an 87 Rating and a big senior season will definitely boost him up our board. He’s a talented athlete with more than just game breaking speed. Harris has a strong frame with room to add good weight and has the all around skill set to develop in to a difference maker at the next level.

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