Manchester United play Atlético Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in the UEFA Champions League league phase. Michael Carrick’s side arrives in Madrid managing injury doubts over key players while looking for consistency abroad, as Diego Simeone’s hosts enjoy a four-match winning streak.
Referee Appointments Set For Metropolitano Match
European action resumes on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, as Manchester United travel to face Atlético Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, with kick-off set for 20:00 BST according to the match preview details.
UEFA appointed Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg to officiate the matchday two fixture in the league phase as reported by tournament officials.
Nyberg will be assisted on the pitch by compatriots Mahbod Beigi and Andreas Söderqvist, with Kristoffer Karlsson acting as the fourth official. The Video Assistant Referee technology will be managed by Pol van Boekel alongside assistant VAR Dennis Johan Higler.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the encounter live on Amazon Prime Video.
Injuries Hit Manchester United Before European Trip
Manager Michael Carrick faces a selection test following a domestic run that leaves United sitting 13th in the Premier League table following a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
Preparations were disrupted on Monday morning when Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo were absent from the training session at Carrington as injury concerns mounted. While Shaw was noted to be on a designated rest day following a late substitution against Tottenham, Mainoo’s absence remained unexplained prior to travel decisions.
United’s defensive cover is heavily tested with Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui sidelined, leaving Carrick to weigh up alternative options at left-back. On a positive note, defender Matthijs de Ligt traveled with the squad to Spain after missing action since November 2025 due to a lower back injury alongside young additions Harry Amass and Dan Armer. Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton are also unavailable due to respective knee and hamstring injuries.
Atlético Madrid Enter Match On Four-Game Winning Run
Atlético Madrid enter the fixture on a run of four consecutive victories across all competitions following an opening 2-1 defeat against Liverpool in the Champions League league phase.
Addressing the squad during his pre-match press conference, Simeone discussed forward Julián Álvarez, who stayed in Madrid over the summer after attempting to move to Barcelona and subsequently returned to form. The Argentine striker has netted 17 goals in 26 Champions League games for his current club, including 10 from 13 on home turf, while Bryan Mbeumo looks to make an impact for United.
“I thought Julian looked good today, He came on with enthusiasm, eager to do well and help the team. He finished the match well.”
Diego Simeone, Atlético Madrid Coach
Simeone also emphasized the collective approach required for the European campaign while evaluating the upcoming English opponents. Atlético boast a strong historical record in European home matches under their long-serving manager, though the Opta Supercomputer lists the hosts with a 46% win probability based on pre-match simulations.
“Selecting the best possible line-up, keeping a cool head to manage those starting tomorrow as effectively as possible, because the match is going to be a long one. It’s going to be tough, and we need to manage our efforts well to compete effectively.”
Diego Simeone, Atlético Madrid Coach
Simeone noted that maintaining balance both defensively and offensively is vital for consistent results, pointing out that United will apply pressure in their half with high-intensity movements. Carrick’s men kicked off their European campaign with a resounding 4-0 win over competition debutants Sabah, but the traveling side enters the Metropolitano without away fans permitted inside the stadium.