Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in their third game of the pre-season tour.
Michael Carrick’s side came from behind against Atletico Madrid, courtesy of a second-half brace from Bryan Mbeumo.
Overall, it was an impressive display from Manchester United against a European heavyweight that would pose a stern test to any side.
Without further ado, here are the biggest winners and losers from the game.
Shea Lacey playing against Atletico Madrid
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Getty Images
Winners
Shea Lacey: Typical of a prospering star knocking on the door of the first team, Shea Lacey is trying to make things happen every time he gets the ball in the final third. His relentless pressing can only be admired, and he was rewarded by contributing heavily to Mbeumo’s second goal.
Bryan Mbeumo: Mbeumo went into the game against Atletico Madrid looking for his first goal of the 2026 pre-season tour. He’s leaving Stockholm with two goals to his name. The smile he had written across his face as he came off with 10 minutes left to play said it all. It bodes well for United if the Cameroon international has a spring in his step going into the 2026/27 campaign.
Mason Mount: Andrey Santos gets a worthy mention on the winners list, but his biggest beneficiary has been Mason Mount. The 27-year-old created the joint-most chances (3) on the pitch, playing slightly advanced to his new Brazilian teammate.
JJ Gabriel: Although JJ Gabriel did nothing noteworthy in his short cameo off the bench, it was fantastic to see the 15-year-old make his first senior appearance for the club, albeit in a non-competitive game. No matter how you look at it, this is a milestone for Gabriel and United fans will hope there’s more to come.
Getty Images
Losers
Tom Heaton: Asleep for Atletico Madrid’s early opener. Not only did he fail to claim the ball as a top goalkeeper would, but Tom Heaton hardly moved a muscle as the ball sailed past him into the net. It should be noted he wasn’t the only United player at fault.
Harry Maguire: Harry Maguire was arguably the biggest culprit for Atletico Madrid’s goal. The experienced centre-back has looked off the pace on the pre-season tour compared to his teammates. This goal was further evidence of that as he dipped away from the dangerous cross. At least he got to lift the Snapdragon Cup after the game…