Manchestereveningnews have confirmed a 23-man squad for Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Atlético de Madrid at Stockholm’s Strawberry Arena. Michael Carrick’s side arrives in Sweden on July 31, 2026, featuring a mix of senior players and academy prospects as preparations continue for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Stockholm Showdown and Pre-Season Context
Manchester United step up their summer preparations with a fixture against Atlético Madrid at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, on Saturday afternoon. The match, scheduled for a 2:00 PM BST kickoff, marks another crucial step for the Red Devils as they work toward their Premier League opener against Hull City on August 22 according to reporting from MyKhel.
Michael Carrick’s squad comes into this fixture following a mixed start to their pre-season schedule. After a disappointing opening 1-0 defeat to Wrexham on July 18, the team rebounded with an impressive 5-0 victory against Rosenborg as detailed in Sports Mole’s tactical preview. Facing Atlético Madrid, a side that reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals last season, represents a notable step up in quality.
Squad Additions, Inclusions, and Notable Absences
The travelling party of 23 players includes the return of goalkeeper Altay Bayındır and winger Amad Diallo as confirmed by MyKhel. Both players are back in contention after rejoining training at Carrington, with Amad returning to fitness and Bayındır stepping back into the pre-season mix Manchestereveningnews.
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However, new signings Senne Lammens and Youri Tielemans arrived at Carrington only recently on Thursday and Manchestereveningnews that the match has come too soon for them to be integrated into the squad. A number of key personnel are also absent due to their international involvement in the 2026 World Cup, including Lisandro Martinez, Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Noussair Mazraoui, and Marcus Rashford according to Sports Mole.
Academy Talents Earn Continued Opportunities
Carrick has once again opened the door for several promising academy prospects to travel with the senior group. Fifteen-year-old JJ Gabriel is included in the travelling party, with the young player hoping to earn a first senior appearance. Other young talents making the trip to Sweden include Shea Lacey, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Ethan Williams, Jim Thwaites, Dan Armer, and Jaydan Kamason as outlined in the squad announcements.
Shea Lacey retains his spot in the travelling group following an impressive performance and goal against Rosenborg noted by Sports Mole, demonstrating how pre-season friendlies continue to serve as a vital laboratory for young talent development under Carrick’s coaching staff.
Full Travelling Squad Breakdown
- Goalkeepers: Altay Bayındır, Tom Heaton, Dermot Mee, Radek Vitek
- Defenders: Harry Amass, Dan Armer, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Ayden Heaven, Jaydan Kamason, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro
- Midfielders: Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Jim Thwaites
- Forwards: Amad Diallo, JJ Gabriel, Shea Lacey, Bryan Mbeumo, Ethan Williams, Joshua Zirkzee
Looking Ahead to the Premier League Campaign
Following the clash in Stockholm, Manchester United face remaining summer friendlies against Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds United, and AC Milan according to the fixture schedule before competitive action kicks off. Finishing third in the Premier League last season as noted by Sports Mole, the club faces unique demands ahead with a return to the Champions League alongside domestic duties.
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