Youri Tielemans will not make his Manchester United debut in against Atletico Madrid this weekend.
The Belgian moved north from Aston Villa earlier this summer in a £35m deal, and, after taking some time off following the World Cup, has finally joined up with his new team-mates at Carrington.
He has been left out of the travelling squad for this, United’s third friendly outing of the summer, and will have to wait a few more days to make his debut.
Unlike some of his contemporaries, Carrick has shied away from making wholesale changes to his lineup between friendlies against Wrexham and Rosenborg.
He has also been perfectly willing to give his first-team stars minutes on the pitch, suggesting Tielemans could be set to slot straight into the starting lineup days after meeting his team-mates.
The Belgian reported for training alongside his countryman Senne Lammens, who also has not travelled, meaning Radek Vitek may keep his place.
Carrick has settled on what will likely be his first-choice back-four in the Premier League this season, comprising Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw.
Mason Mount will partner Andrey Santos at the base of midfield, allowing Shea Lacey to keep his place as the No10. He will be flanked by Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu, with Joshua Zirkzee leading the line.
Tyler Fredricson will play no part after he was sold to Lausanne-Sport midweek. Benjamin Sesko is still thought to be carrying a shin injury and may not feature.
There will be plenty of young talent on the bench hoping for a chance to impress. Ethan Williams, Jacob Devaney and Harry Amass will all be keen to build on their goalscoring cameos against Rosenborg last time out.
Man Utd predicted XI vs Atletico Madrid (4-2-3-1): Vitek; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Mount, Santos; Mbeumo, Lacey, Dorgu; Zirkzee
Doubts: Sesko (shin)
How to watch: MUTV
Time and date: 2pm BST on August 1, 2026
Venue: Strawberry Arena, Stockholm
