Manchester United to field new midfielder Tielemans in Stockholm friendly
Belgian summer signing set for debut against Atlético Madrid on 1 August 2026
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Manchester United will give Youri Tielemans his first start in a pre-season friendly against Atlético Madrid on 1 August 2026. The match, scheduled for 14:00 BST at Stockholm’s Strawberry Arena, will be the Belgian midfielder’s debut since completing a £35m transfer from Aston Villa earlier this summer. The Standard reported that manager Eric Carrick has opted for continuity in his team selection, retaining much of the lineup that faced Rosenborg in the previous friendly.
Tielemans, who joined United after the World Cup, trained with the squad for the first time this week. The Standard noted that Carrick has resisted major changes between friendlies, suggesting the 30-year-old will slot directly into the starting XI. He is set to partner Andrey Santos in central midfield, allowing Mason Mount to push forward into an attacking role.
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Injuries and departures shape squad
United will be without striker Benjamin Sesko, who The Standard confirmed is carrying a shin injury. The 21-year-old, who joined from RB Leipzig last season, may not feature in the match. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Tyler Fredricson will not be involved after completing a midweek transfer to Swiss side Lausanne-Sport.
The predicted starting defence includes Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, and Luke Shaw. Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu are expected to provide width, with Joshua Zirkzee leading the attack. Senne Lammens, another Belgian, is set to start in goal ahead of Radek Vitek.
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Young players eye opportunities
Several academy players will be available from the bench. The Standard reported that Ethan Williams, Jacob Devaney, and Harry Amass are all hoping to build on their performances in the previous friendly against Rosenborg, where they contributed goals. The match will be broadcast exclusively on MUTV, with no public ticket sales announced for the Stockholm fixture.
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