Manchester United boss Michael Carrick dropped very clear hints on his transfer plan during the Red Devils’ friendly win over Atletico Madrid. Bryan Mbeumo struck twice to overturn an early deficit and win 2-1, ensuring United would lift the Snapdragon Trophy for a third consecutive year.
He converted from the penalty spot after academy starlet Shea Lacey was brought down inside the box, before then firing in the winner from Jack Fletcher’s low cross. It proved the most encouraging pre-season performance so far for Carrick, who also oversaw a 5-0 win over Rosenberg in addition to a 1-0 loss to Wrexham.
Further warm-up fixtures are lined up against Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds and AC Milan before United kick off their 2026/27 campaign against newly-promoted Hull City on August 22.
United have utilised the summer transfer window to bring in Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow, while a number of players have already departed. Yet it is clear that considerable work remains, and that the current pre-season touring squad is not the one Carrick envisages beginning the campaign with.
The United boss made two changes to his starting XI, with Radek Vitek and Joshua Zirkzee making way for Tom Heaton and Amad. Zirkzee had scored and provided an assist in the Rosenborg rout, yet was restricted to just 17 minutes as a substitute against Atletico, with Carrick opting to prioritise others for playing time.
The Dutch striker is on the transfer list and United are hoping to find a buyer for a player who has scored just nine goals in 75 outings since completing a £36.5million switch to Old Trafford two years ago. Juventus are said to be keen on Zirkzee.
Vitek’s position within the squad is evident, with United bringing in Darlow on a free transfer to serve as Senne Lammens’ deputy. The 22-year-old shone during his loan spell with Bristol City last season and has attracted plenty of attention, though his £10m price tag has yet to be met.
United are eager to sell and redirect the funds elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Altay Bayindir was completely absent against Atletico, with Heaton, Vitek and youngster Dermot Mee the three goalkeepers selected by Carrick. Bayindir led a training session in Stockholm before the match, then took a seat behind the dugout to observe the action.
Bayindir is set to depart United this summer in search of regular playing time, and Celta Vigo are interested in securing the Turkish international on a season-long loan arrangement, while a Turkish club could sign him on a permanent basis.
Bayindir has featured just 17 times for United since arriving for £4.3m in 2023. He initially served as an understudy to Andre Onana before Lammens’ arrival last season confirmed he would not be given an opportunity as No. 1.