Manchester United starting lineup vs Atletico Madrid confirmed as Amad returns for pre-season friendly
(Courtesy : Getty)
Youngster JJ Gabriel could make his debut for the senior team today
Strawberry Arena in Solna, Sweden, gears up to host the club friendly fixture. One of the most successful sides in England, Manchester United and Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid are set for a thrilling contest.
The Red Devils made a strong comeback last season, finishing third. All after languishing in the 16th spot in the 2024-25 season, narrowly avoiding relegation.
After a series of managerial changes, the Red Devils stuck with Michael Carrick. He took over the reins as the interim coach after former Sporting CP gaffer Ruben Amorim departed midseason.
The red side of Manchester roped in Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos of Chelsea to bolster their midfield after Casemiro left Old Trafford to join Inter Miami. They are coming off a 5-0 win over Norwegian outfit Rosenborg. Five different players found their name on the scoresheet.
Since winning the Spanish top flight in the 2021-22 season, Atleti have failed to finish in the top two. They finished fourth last season, three points behind third-placed Villarreal. They are coming off a 4-1 win over Getafe in the last game after succumbing to a 5-1 defeat to Villarreal.
Taking a look at their transfer activities, they roped in Kang In Lee from PSG, Hjulmand from Sporting CP and Grimaldo from Leverkusen. Argentine gaffer Diego Simeone, who has been at the helm of Atleti since 2011, is set to continue as the head coach for the next season.
Pre-season friendlies bring a relaxed and experimental rhythm where fitness matters more than the final score. The summer enters a phase where tactical drills and rising academy prospects take centre stage over wins. Ahead of the start of the new season, fans can expect a low-pressure game where every manager gets a chance to test their squad.
Manchester United starting lineup vs Atletico Madrid (4231)
Heaton; Yoro, Maguire (c), Heaven, Shaw; Santos, Mount; Amad, Lacey, Dorgu; Mbeumo
Substitutes: Bayindir, Mee, Vitek, Amass, Armer, Kamason, J. Fletcher, T. Fletcher, Thwaites, Gabriel, Williams, Zirkzee.
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Hardik is a journalist and Senior Assistant Editor at Khel Now. A graduate of Maharaja Agrasen College, Delhi University, he brings a versatile skill set to the table with experience in writing, editing, and on-camera work. A passionate follower of Manchester United, Lewis Hamilton, and CM Punk. He combines his love for sports with sharp editorial insight.