Michael Carrick dropped clear hints over three Manchester United departures during the 2-1 friendly victory over Atletico Madrid. Bryan Mbeumo scored twice as United came from behind to lift the Snapdragon Trophy for a third consecutive year.
Mbeumo fires United to comeback win
Atletico took an early lead, but United hit back when Mbeumo converted a penalty after academy winger Shea Lacey was fouled in the box. Mbeumo then struck the winner from Jack Fletcher's low cross. It was the most encouraging pre-season performance under Carrick, who had previously seen his side beat Rosenborg 5-0 and lose 1-0 to Wrexham.
Zirkzee put on the market
Carrick made two changes for the match, with Radek Vitek and Joshua Zirkzee replaced in the starting XI by Tom Heaton and Amad. Zirkzee had scored and assisted in the Rosenborg rout but was limited to 17 minutes as a substitute against Atletico. The Dutch striker is on the transfer list, with United hoping to find a buyer after his record of just nine goals in 75 appearances since his £36.5million move to Old Trafford two years ago. Juventus are reported to be keen.
Vitek and Bayindir heading for exits
Vitek's situation was also laid bare, with United bringing in Karl Darlow on a free transfer to act as deputy to Senne Lammens. Vitek impressed during a loan spell at Bristol City last season and has attracted plenty of attention, but United's £10m asking price has not yet been met. The club are eager to sell and redirect the funds elsewhere.
Altay Bayindir was completely absent against Atletico, with Heaton, Vitek and Dermot Mee the three goalkeepers selected. Bayindir led a training session in Stockholm before the match, then took a seat behind the dugout to observe. He is set to leave United this summer in search of regular playing time, with Celta Vigo interested in a season-long loan and a Turkish club potentially signing him permanently. Bayindir has made just 17 appearances since his £4.3m arrival in 2023, having initially served as understudy to Andre Onana before Lammens arrived last season.
United have added Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Darlow this summer, while a number of players have already departed. The current touring squad is not the one Carrick envisages starting the campaign with. Further friendlies against Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds and AC Milan are scheduled before the 2026/27 season opens against newly-promoted Hull City on August 22.
