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.
Questions this report answers
+When is the friendly match against Atlético Madrid?
The friendly match against Atlético Madrid is scheduled for 1 August 2026 at 14:00 BST. It will take place at Stockholm’s Strawberry Arena, marking Manchester United’s first pre-season fixture under manager Eric Carrick.
+Who will Youri Tielemans partner in midfield?
Youri Tielemans is expected to partner Andrey Santos in central midfield. This setup allows Mason Mount to move into an attacking role, reflecting continuity in Carrick’s team selection following the previous friendly against Rosenborg.
+Why won’t Benjamin Sesko play in the match?
Benjamin Sesko will miss the match due to a shin injury. The Standard confirmed the 21-year-old striker, who joined from RB Leipzig last season, is carrying the injury and may not feature against Atlético Madrid.
+Where can fans watch the friendly match?
The friendly match will be broadcast exclusively on MUTV. No ticket details have been announced for the Stockholm fixture, so public attendance remains unconfirmed.
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