Michael Carrick’s squad faces a stern test against European giants as fitness concerns linger over key defenders. Discover the latest recovery timelines for United's vital backline stars.
Manchester United are gearing up for their third pre-season fixture of 2026 as Michael Carrick's Reds prepare to take on Atletico Madrid on Saturday, 1 August.
Goals from Shea Lacey, Joshua Zirkzee, Jacob Devaney, Harry Amass, and Ethan Williams saw Carrick's men put on a thumping display in Norway, with plenty of build up and attacking play on display on Friday evening.
Next up will see United come up against their first European giant as pre-season gets truely underway, and Atleti will present a tough task. Following the Atleti tie, United will also play, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds United, and AC Milan before starting the season.
Below are the latest updates on Carrick's injured Reds, including fresh news on the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.
What happened: Right at the end of the first half of the World Cup final, Lisandro Martínez was taken off through injury.
Possible return date: Monday, 10 August.
What happened: Having signed for United from Leeds earlier this month, second-choice goalkeeper Karl Darlow was not in the squad that faced Wrexham.
What's been said: United confirmed on the weekend that Darlow was going through the final steps of recovering from a procedure he underwent following the end of last campaign.
Possible return date: 1 August vs Atletico Madrid.
What happened: Matthijs de Ligt played every minute of United's opening 13 Premier League fixtures last campaign, but missed the rest of the season due to a back injury.
Possible return date: Beginning of October.
What happened: Although Šeško did not compete in the World Cup, the striker was not spotted in the first week of training with his teammates, having misesd the final three games of last season with a shin injury.
What's been said: The Sun have reported that his injury recovery is on track, and that he was never expected to play the opening few games of the season. He is set to return in the next few weeks, and could be involved against Atleti.
Possible return date: 1 August vs Atletico Madrid.
What happened: Kobbie Mainoo was not part of England's squad for their 6-4 win over France in the World Cup third-placed play-off due to injury.
What's been said: “Kobbie was injured in the last training session (on Friday) morning,” Tuchel said on Saturday. “He had a sharp pain in the back within the training and he was not ready to play.”
Mainoo will have a three-week break before returning to Carrington to start his pre-season training.
Possible return date: Early or mid-August.