Bryan Mbeumo’s second-half double fueled a resilient comeback in Stockholm as Michael Carrick’s side overcame an early deficit to topple the La Liga giants in Sweden.
After fixtures against Wrexham and Rosenborg last month, Manchester United's third pre-season fixture was against La Liga giants Atletico Madrid in Stockholm, Sweden, in the annual Snapdragon Cup.
The tie saw Joshua Zirkzee dropped for Amad, while Bryan Mbeumo played up front with Shea Lacey in the middle, although it was Atleti who took an early lead as Arnau Ortiz's cross flew over everyone's head and nestled in Tom Heaton's net.
United had a flurry of chances in the opening 30 minutes with Mbeumo, Amad, and Leny Yoro unable to convert, although some of the football on display looked fantastic.
Having gone into halftime a goal down, United started the second half well, with Lacey winning a penalty brilliantly that Mbeumo converted.
After some substitutes were made in the 72nd minute, Jack Fletcher did well to find Mbeumo just a few yards from goal, handing United a well-deserved lead. Despite a few fights back from Atleti, United held firm to win the tie comfortably.
Player ratings vs Atleti
Tom Heaton – 7.5/10
Couldn't do anything for Atleti's first goal, and made some good saves following that throughout the game to keep the La Liga outfit out.
Leny Yoro – 7/10
At right-back once again, Yoro looked very bright and positive despite his previous problems defending on the tough line.
Harry Maguire – 6/10
Solid, made a few good tackles, no real errors came off after 72 minutes.
Ayden Heaven – 7.5/10
Heaven played the full 90 minutes and didn't put a foot wrong. It's a huge season for him.
Luke Shaw – 7/10
Got up the pitch a lot and had a few chances fall his way, played very well.
Andrey Santos – 7/10
Combined well with Mount in midfield and was very impressive off the ball as well. Positive signs for the new signing.
Mason Mount – 8.5/10
By far United's sharpest player from the off. Has been great in pre-season and is a clear favourite of Carrick's, running the game brilliantly in midfield.
Amad – 7/10
Looked sharp for his first game back since the World Cup, Carrick will be pleased with his 45 minutes.
Shea Lacey – 8.5/10
Looked creative and assured playing as the attacking midfielder. In the second half, he continued to grow, winning the penalty in brilliant fashion.
Patrick Dorgu – 4/10
Did plenty to get himself into good positions, but failed to do much with the ball in terms of final product. Must improve with Matheus Cunha and Marcus Rashford returning soon.
Bryan Mbeumo – 7.5/10
Great movements at striker, and after missing some chances in the first half, he converted his penalty with style before reacting well for his second goal.
Substitutes
Jack Fletcher – 7/10
Came on for Amad in the second half and brought a lot of energy. Great work assisting Mbeumo's second.
Joshua Zirkzee – 7/10
Started the first two pre-season games but only played off the bench this time around, but was great when he came on. Showed good sharpness and strength on the ball.
Dan Armer – 6/10
The biggest compliment that can be given is that United still looked defensive and strong despite Armer replacing Maguire. Good from the young defender.
Harry Amass – 6/10
Involved and strong, won a few fouls and defended very well.
Ethan Williams – 5/10
Didn't see too much action, but didn't put too much of a foot wrong, either.
JJ Gabriel – 6/10
The 15-year-old came on for his first-ever senior minutes to a roaring reception and got involved on the right flank with Yoro, seeing some shots blocked. Positive minutes.
Jim Thwaites – 6/10
Very good in the middle of the park alongside Mount once he replaced Santos, big future ahead of him if he can see more minutes under Carrick.



