Michael Carrick named a strong side at the Strawberry Arena, one that may not be too dissimilar to the XI that starts against Hull City in the Premier League later this month. Amad Diallo replaced Joshua Zirkzee up front, while Mason Mount and Andrey Santos continued to impress in midfield. Youri Tielemans remained at home after reporting for pre-season but was not considered match fit.
United had won one and lost one of their two previous friendlies, and this was comfortably their most difficult test of the summer. They fell behind on five minutes when Arnau Ortiz inadvertently opened the scoring with a whipped cross that went unmolested and snuck in at the back post, leaving Tom Heaton and Harry Maguire exchanging confused glances in the six-yard box.
Frustrating first half
United dominated possession but could not get back on level terms. Patrick Dorgu had his marker, the young Jorge Dominguez, on toast but could not make the most of the territory he found, while Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro and Mbeumo all missed the mark with headers. Luke Shaw went closest, stinging Jan Oblak's palms with a venomous volley after latching onto Shea Lacey's cross.
Heaton was called into action late in the half to make an unconvincing stop and deny Ortiz a second, keeping the deficit at one at the interval.
Mbeumo turns the match around
United were level early in the second period after Lacey was tripped in the box and Mbeumo duly converted from the spot. Lacey very nearly got on the scoresheet himself soon after, dancing into the box before drawing a save from Sami Esquivel.
Chances then became scarce as the match descended into the pedestrian pace so often seen in friendlies. But United found the moment they needed when Jack Fletcher zipped down the right flank before teeing up Mbeumo for his second of the afternoon, securing the lead with a quarter of an hour left to be played.
Senior debut and late drama
JJ Gabriel replaced the goalscorer shortly after to make his senior debut. Atletico then had one late chance to equalise but were cruelly denied by both posts: Morten Hjulmand hit one and Rodrigo Mendoza headed onto the other. United took the spoils and lifted the Snapdragon Cup.
They return to friendly action in a week's time, facing Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg.
