Manchester United beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in a pre-season friendly in Sweden on Saturday, coming from behind to win thanks to two Bryan Mbeumo goals. The Cameroon international equalised from the penalty spot after Shea Lacey was fouled, then tapped in from Jack Fletcher's low cross.
The match offered plenty of clues to manager Michael Carrick's transfer plans. United have recruited Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow this summer, and a handful of players have already left. But the starting line-up against Atletico made it clear the squad on tour is not the one Carrick wants to start the campaign with. Carrick has also overseen a 5-0 win over Rosenborg and a 1-0 defeat by Wrexham in pre-season.
Zirkzee and Vitek make way
Carrick made two changes to the side that faced Rosenborg, bringing in Tom Heaton and Amad for Radek Vitek and Joshua Zirkzee. Zirkzee, who scored and assisted against Rosenborg, was used for only 17 minutes as a substitute against Atletico.
The Dutch striker is on the transfer list. United are looking to sell a player who has scored nine goals in 75 appearances since his £36.5m move to Old Trafford two years ago. Juventus are reportedly interested in signing him.
Bayindir left out
Vitek was also dropped from the starting XI. The 22-year-old impressed on loan at Bristol City last season and has no shortage of suitors, although no club has yet reached his £10m valuation. With Karl Darlow signed as back-up to Senne Lammens, United are keen to cash in and reinvest elsewhere.
Altay Bayindir was not involved against Atletico at all. Heaton, Vitek and youngster Dermot Mee were the three goalkeepers chosen by Carrick. Bayindir trained in Stockholm before the game and then sat behind the dugout to watch.
Bayindir poised to leave
According to the Manchester Evening News, Bayindir wants to leave United this summer to play regular first-team football. Celta Vigo are keen to take the Turkey international on a season-long loan, while a Turkish club could sign him permanently.
Bayindir has made only 17 appearances since joining the club for £4.3m in 2023. He was second choice to Andre Onana, and Lammens' arrival last season made it clear he would not become No.1.
Pre-season continues
United have further friendlies against Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds and AC Milan before starting the 2026/27 campaign against newly-promoted Hull City on August 22.
