Manchester United Confirm 23-Man Squad for Atletico Madrid Friendly as Amad and Altay Bayındır Return

Manchester United have confirmed their 23-man travelling squad for Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid, with Amad Diallo and Altay Bayındır returning to the group following their World Cup involvement.

The Red Devils are continuing their preparations for the new season and will face Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm. The fixture represents a significant step up in opposition after United’s previous pre-season matches against Wrexham and Rosenborg.

Michael Carrick has named a slightly smaller squad for the trip, but there is still plenty of experience and exciting young talent included.

Amad and Bayındır Back in the Squad

Amad and Bayındır returned to Manchester United’s Carrington training complex earlier this week after their World Cup commitments. Both players have now been included in the travelling squad and could feature against the Spanish side.

Amad’s return will be particularly encouraging for United supporters. The Ivorian winger is expected to play an important role during the upcoming campaign and will be hoping to quickly regain match sharpness ahead of the new season.

Bayındır also returns to provide additional competition in the goalkeeping department alongside Tom Heaton, Elyh Harrison Mee and Radek Vitek.

However, Belgian duo Senne Lammens and Youri Tielemans will not be involved. The pair only reported to Carrington on Thursday, meaning the Atletico Madrid match has come too soon for them.

JJ Gabriel Included Again

Fifteen-year-old sensation JJ Gabriel has once again been named in the first-team squad and will be hoping to make his senior Manchester United debut.

Gabriel travelled with the squad for the previous pre-season fixtures but did not feature in the 5–0 victory over Rosenborg. The highly rated youngster was one of only two outfield players who remained unused during that match, with midfielder Jim Thwaites being the other.

His continued inclusion in Carrick’s plans is another indication that the Manchester United coaching staff have been impressed by his development and potential.

A senior appearance against Atletico Madrid would be a major milestone for the teenage prospect, although the club will be careful not to place too much pressure on such a young player.

Several Youngsters Drop Out

A number of players who featured in the earlier pre-season squads have not travelled to Stockholm.

Toby Collyer, Dan Gore, Jacob Devaney and Chido Obi have all dropped out of the group for the Atletico Madrid fixture.

Their absence could be due to squad rotation, fitness management or opportunities being given to other young players. Pre-season is often used to assess different combinations, and Carrick appears determined to give several academy prospects opportunities to train and compete alongside senior players.

Manchester United Squad vs Atletico Madrid

Goalkeepers

– Altay Bayındır
– Tom Heaton
– Mee
– Radek Vitek

Defenders

– Harry Amass
– Armer
– Patrick Dorgu
– Ayden Heaven
– Kamason
– Harry Maguire
– Luke Shaw
– Leny Yoro

Midfielders

– Jack Fletcher
– Tyler Fletcher
– Mason Mount
– Andrey Santos
– Jim Thwaites

Attackers

– Shea Lacey
– Bryan Mbeumo
– JJ Gabriel
– Williams
– Joshua Zirkzee
– Amad Diallo

A Tough Pre-Season Test Awaits

Atletico Madrid will provide Manchester United with their toughest pre-season challenge so far.

Diego Simeone’s side are known for their physical intensity, tactical discipline and defensive organisation. The match should give Carrick a clearer indication of how prepared his squad is for the competitive season.

The game will also offer valuable minutes to senior players such as Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee and Bryan Mbeumo, while youngsters including JJ Gabriel, Shea Lacey and the Fletcher brothers could have another opportunity to impress.

With Amad now back in the squad and several academy talents pushing for senior involvement, the Atletico Madrid fixture promises to be an important test as Manchester United continue their preparations for the new campaign.

Will JJ Gabriel make his Manchester United debut against Atletico Madrid, and should Amad start the match after returning from World Cup duty?