JJ Gabriel celebrates scoring for Man Utd
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Manchester United will play their third friendly of the summer, and for the first time, they’ll take on a formidable opponent in Atletico Madrid.
Michael Carrick’s men began their pre-season with a surprising 0-1 defeat to Championship side Wrexham in Helsinki, but they rebounded with a 5-0 win over Rosenborg on Norwegian soil.
The Red Devils have now travelled to Scandinavian lands for the third time this summer, as they prepare to meet Diego Simeone’s side in Stockholm, Sweden. The contest will take place on Saturday afternoon (14:00 UK time).
Man United expected starting lineup vs Atletico Madrid
Carrick has summoned 23 players for the trip, including Amad Diallo and Altay Bayindir, who became the latest to return from their extended summer break following their World Cup participation
While the Ivorian is unlikely to start, having only recently returned, the Turkish goalkeeper could be in the running for a starting spot, as Man Utd could use the opportunity to attract suitors after replacing him with Karl Darlow, who will become Senne Lammens’ understudy this season.
Nevertheless, Radek Vitek could be the favourite to get the nod, as the young Czech is also on the market.
Carrick is expected to keep the rest of the lineup intact, with Leny Yoro deployed at right-back once more, alongside Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, and Luke Shaw.
Mason Mount should feature in the double pivot alongside new signing Andrey Santos, while Bryan Mbeumo, Shea Lacey, and Patrick Dorgu act as Joshua Zirkzee’s support crew.
Man Utd predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Vitek; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Mount, Santos; Mbeumo, Lacey, Dorgu; Zirkzee
Will JJ Gabriel feature
For the second friendly in a row, JJ Gabriel has been included in the matchday squad. But against Rosenborg, he was one of two outfield players who remained on the bench for the duration of the match.
While some of his fellow teenagers have been cut from the squad, the 15-year-old sensation earned a call-up, suggesting today could be the day that witnesses the young forward’s first appearance among the seniors.
However, Carrick will likely assess the nature of the game before making a decision on this matter, as he wouldn’t want to throw a youngster at this tender age against a tough-tackling Atletico Madrid team.