Manchester United and Atletico Madrid travel to Sweden for a top-tier friendly match, as both teams enter the final stage of preparations for the new season.
The Red Devils’ light-hearted friendly matches concluded with a resounding victory over Rosenborg, and they will face some tough tests against Atletico, PSG, Leeds and AC Milan before the end of their pre-season preparations.
The first pre-season match against Wrexham was a disaster, but the team looked far more organised in their 5-0 victory over the Norwegians, with many young players putting in strong performances as they battle for a place in the first team.
Michael Carrick needs to see which players are in form, as United are returning to the Champions League, which will significantly increase their number of matches.
Atletico Madrid have also scheduled several high-profile friendlies; as well as United, they are set to face Marseille and Manchester City.
So far, they have played just one match this summer, thrashing Getafe 4–1 on Wednesday. Diego Simeone faces a tough challenge after Atletico finished a full 25 points off the top last season, but they have made some very strong signings so far, which we expect will help plug some of the gaps.
How the bookies view it: United to impress in Sweden
We can certainly expect a thrilling clash, even though there’s nothing at stake, and the bookmakers reckon the Red Devils are more likely to win it.
At the moment, you can back Manchester United at 23/20, a draw at 12/5 or Atletico Madrid at 2/1.
Recent head-to-head: The Red Devils have never won a H2H
Manchester United have plenty of experience against top Spanish sides, but they have faced Atletico only three times, with their most recent encounter being another friendly in 2022. On that occasion, Los Colchoneros won 1–0.
Earlier that same year, they faced each other in the Champions League round of 16, with Atletico Madrid progressing after a 2-1 aggregate victory. In fact, the Red Devils have never beaten this opponent.
Players to watch: Lacey is eyeing first squad football
Both teams have quite a few players missing, as half of their starting line-ups played in the World Cup and have not yet returned.
However, there is some positive news for United, such as the return of Senne Lammens and new signing Youri Tielemans, whilst Atletico Madrid will be able to call upon the returning Marcos Llorente.
Several of United’s youngsters impressed against Rosenborg in the second half, but we would certainly put our faith in 19-year-old Shea Lacey following the goal he scored.
He will once again be positioned between Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo, who do not yet appear to be in peak condition, but certainly pose a serious threat to Atletico's defence.
Probable line-ups
Manchester United: Heaton, Shaw, Heaven, Maguire, Yoro, Mount, Santos, Dorgu, Lacey, Mbeumo, Zirkzee
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Ruggeri, Hancko, Le Normand, Llorente, Koke, Martin, Hjulmand, Mendoza, Lookman, Cubo
Anything else catch the eye?
There’s no chance this will be one of those dull friendly matches where there are no goals or action. Both teams have time to experiment and play without pressure, so we’re expecting an open game with plenty of goals.
It seems almost guaranteed to me that both teams will score, and the odds aren’t bad at all. I’d even combine Both Teams to Score with Over 2.5, which is currently at around 19/20.
But at the same time, I reckon Manchester United are in greater need of wins, even if they’re just friendlies, and the pressure there is much higher. I really liked their performance against Rosenborg, and I reckon they have a good chance of winning here too, albeit by a narrow margin, say 2–1.
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid Betting Tips & Predictions
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