Football

Manchester United faced their first big test of preseason on Saturday, passing it with flying colors as they defeated Atletico Madrid by a 2-1 score in Stockholm.

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Bryan Mbeumo provided the fireworks, as the former Brentford forward bagged a brace, first striking from the penalty spot shortly after halftime and again from open play in the 74th minute.

The comeback finally arrived after Atletico Madrid had gone in front on a fluky goal just five minutes in, with Arnau Ortiz’s cross evading everyone and finding the back of the net.

The victory for United comes at an opportune time for Michael Carrick’s group. They suffered defeat to Wrexham to begin their preseason, followed by a 5-0 win over Norwegian club Rosenborg in the Red Devils’ first two games of their tour of Scandinavia.

This was Atleti’s second game of their 2026/27 preparations after their 4-1 win over Getafe in a behind-closed-doors friendly at their training ground.

Both teams were missing World Cup stars who are still on a post-tournament break, so there could be an opportunity for fringe players and younger talents to impress at Strawberry Arena.

MORE: Man United’s preseason schedule and results in full

Man United vs. Atletico Madrid final score

Location: Stockholm

Starting lineups:

Man United (4-2-3-1): Heaton (GK) — Yoro, Maguire (Amass, 73′), Heaven, Shaw (Armer, 73′) — Santos (Thwaites, 82′), Mount — Diallo (Fletcher, 46′), Lacey (Zirkzee, 73′), Dorgu — Mbeumo (Gabriel, 82′).

Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak (GK — Esquivel, 46′) — Dominguez (Hueso, 61′), Le Normand (Gimenez, 46′), Hancko (D. Martinez, 61′), Ruggeri (Sola, 61′) — Martin (Luque, 61′), Vargas (Mendoza, 46′), Koke (Hjulmand, 46′), Lookman (Lemar, 61′) — Castillo (Esteban, 61′), Ortiz (Bonar, 61′).

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Man United vs. Atletico Madrid live score, result, highlights from preseason friendly

(All times ET)

FULLTIME: Man United 2-1 Atletico Madrid

A spirited fight-back from Manchester United see them secure a deserved preseason victory over Atletico Madrid! The Red Devils were the better side throughout, both when the starters were on the pitch and when the reserves took over.

74th min: GOAL! MAN UNITED!! BRYAN MBEUMO HAS A SECOND! Jack Fletcher makes it happening, charging into the penalty area from the top-right corner and surging to the byline before tapping the ball past his defender and into the path of Mbeumo at the near post.

Another goal for Bryan after a strong run from Jack Fletcher 💪💙

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 1, 2026

61st min: Man United have made only one substitution so far, with Amad Diallo being replaced by Jack Fletcher at halftime, but Diego Simeone has now rotated out his entire starting XI.

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53rd min: GOAL! MAN UNITED!!! BRYAN MBEUMO SCORES FROM THE PENALTY SPOT!

The chance comes after Shea Lacey wins a spot-kick with a beautiful turn in the penalty area, forcing a challenge from Jorge Castillo.

👣 Shea wins it 🤝 Bryan converts it 🎯

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 1, 2026

HALFTIME: Man United 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Despite going behind early on a very fluky goal, Manchester United logged a good 45 minutes of action. While they were unable to find the equalizer, they created a few good chances to score, just unable to finish them off.

The Red Devils held 57% possession and ripped off eight shots to Atleti’s three, testing Jan Oblak on a few occasions. It’s likely that Michael Carrick will make a bunch of changes at the break.

The best chance had fallen to Bryan Mbeumo, whose diving header skittered just wide of the far post.

Knocking on the door 🚪

Shea beats his man and whips one in, but Bryan’s cross drifts just wide 😤

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 1, 2026

5th min: GOAL! Atletico Madrid! The Spanish giants go in front on a goal by 24-year-old Arnau Ortiz! It’s totally unintentional from Ortiz, who lifted a cross in from the top-corner of the penalty area that was meant for the far post, but nobody on either team gets a touch, and it slides into the net!

Kickoff: They’re under way in Stockholm!

Prematch

8 a.m. — Although neither team will be at full strength today, with many first-team stars still recovering from their World Cup exploits, this should still be a good workout for both sides. Atleti were 1-0 winners when they met in a friendly four years ago.

7 a.m. — Manchester United play their third preseason game today, and it’s by far their most difficult. After a 1-0 loss to Wrexham and a 5-0 victory over Rosenborg, they face Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid in Stockholm.

What 👏 A 👏 Goal 👏

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 30, 2026

Where to watch Man United vs. Atletico Madrid preseason friendly

Man United vs. Atletico Madrid start time

• Date: Saturday, August 1
• Kickoff: 9 a.m. ET

The game kicks off in Stockholm, Sweden at 3 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET / 2 p.m. BST).

What channel is Man United vs. Atletico Madrid on today?

• TV channel: MUTV
• Live stream: MUTV

The game is available to watch via Man United’s in-house channel, MUTV, for those with a subscription.

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Man United, Atletico Madrid preseason schedule

Man United

Atletico Madrid