Preparations for the 2026/27 campaign continues for both Manchester United and Atletico Madrid on Saturday, when they clash at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.
The Red Devils followed up a 1-0 defeat to Wrexham in their pre-season opener with a 5-0 thumping of Rosenborg, while Atletico kicked off with a 4-1 victory over Getafe.
Both teams are without a number of first-team players due to their World Cup 2026 exploits, but an entertaining, attacking affair is still anticipated in the Swedish capital.
Manchester United v Atletico Madrid Tips Summary
Best Bet - Atletico Madrid to win @ 19/10
Alternative Bet - Ademola Lookman anytime goalscorer @ 21/10
Bet Builder - Both teams to score, Over 3 goals & Most goals in first half @ 7/1
Manchester United v Atletico Madrid Prediction
Best Bet: Atletico Madrid to win @ 19/10
It has been a mixed start to pre-season for United, who were average in a 1-0 loss to Wrexham before bouncing back in resounding fashion with a 5-0 triumph over Rosenborg.
While impressive that win was, this will be a step up against an Atletico side who are regulars in the UEFA Champions League and are the biggest challenger to Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga.
World Cup exploits also means the Red Devils are missing Lisandro Martinez, Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Noussair Mazraoui and Marcus Rashford, while Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs de Ligt are both injured and Benjamin Sesko is a major doubt.
These absentees have left manager Michael Carrick with a youthful squad and while they had enough to dispose of Rosenborg, a stern test awaits against Atleti.
Atleti head coach Diego Simeone is without the likes of Julian Alvarez, Alex Baena, Alejandro Grimaldo, Nahuel Molina, Giuliano Simeone and Alexander Sorloth, but he still has lots of quality at his disposal.
Koke, Ademola Lookman, Robin Le Normand and Jan Oblak are all expected to start, while Marcos Llorente, Morten Hjulmand and Lee Kang-in are set to play a part in the fixture.
Atleti impressed in the 4-1 friendly win over Getafe and they look to have a better squad to choose from for this clash against United, which makes a win for the Spanish outfit appeal.
Alternative Bet: Ademola Lookman anytime goalscorer @ 21/10
Ademola Lookman ended the season in fine fashion for Atletico, scoring two goals in his last three appearances, and he has picked up where he left off in pre-season.
The Nigeria international scored twice in the victory over Getafe and he looks capable of adding to his tally against a United defence which is missing some key players.
Manchester United v Atletico Madrid Bet Builder Tip
Both teams to score
Over 3 goals
Most goals in first half
Pays 7/1
Both teams to score has been a winning bet in eight of United's last 11 competitive matches and in three of Atletico's last four matches (including friendlies).
United scored five goals in their win against Rosenborg and there looks to be a strong chance of seeing at least four strikes against Atletico, whose last two matches have produced a combined 11 goals.
Pre-season friendlies often see a raft of changes in the second half, which can lead to disjointed performances, so the better attacking play could come in the first half.
Three of the five goals in Atletico's win over Getafe came in the first half and the opening 45 minutes could be where the Stockholm crowd witness the most action.
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Key Match Stats
Manchester United have lost one and won one of their two pre-season friendlies
The Red Devils were beaten 1-0 by Wrexham before thumping Rosenborg 5-0
Shea Lacey was one of five different goalscorers in that victory
Atletico Madrid defeated Getafe 4-1 in their sole pre-season friendly to date
Ademola Lookman scored twice in that convincing win
Atleti have won the last two meetings against United, both coming in 2022
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
