United team vs Atletico predicted as Lacey starts and Gabriel call made

Altay Bayindir returned to Carrington this week and has made it into the travelling squad. While his future is in doubt, the Reds could look to put him in the shop window against Atletico and he will be expecting to start. Ahead of him, Carrick will likely persist with playing Leny Yoro at right-back, in the absence of Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui.

If Yoro is at full-back, Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven should play in the centre with Luke Shaw in his familiar left-back role. Just ahead of them, it is a chance to see the blossoming partnership of Andrey Santos and Mason Mount against tough opposition.

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To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.

Santos has impressed in his opening two games for United but his defensive skills should be tested more against Atleti. Mount is also enjoying a positive pre-season and it will be interesting to see him play that deeper role against a Champions League rival.

All eyes will be on JJ Gabriel to see if he starts. Carrick has cut the travelling group down to 23, and the 15-year-old is thought of highly by the head coach but after not playing a minute against Rosenborg, it seems unlikely the teenager will get the nod to start this one. Instead, Patrick Dorgu should continue to state his claim on the left wing, in the absence of Matheus Cunha and Marcus Rashford.

Amad has also returned to Carrington and has travelled for this game but, unlike Bayindir, it is expected Carrick will be more cautious with the 24-year-old. Playing on the wing is more physically demanding than in goal and the last thing United want is an avoidable injury.

Carrick surprised a few fans last week when he opted to start Shea Lacey down the middle. That decision was soon justified by the teenager and we should see him given another chance today. If Lacey can have the same impact as last week, that will give Carrick food for thought.

Benjamin Sesko's absence means Joshua Zirkzee should lead the line. Like Bayindir, United will be hoping the Dutchman's performance will drum up interest in him.

United's predicted line-up vs Atletico Madrid: Bayindir; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Santos, Mount; Mbeumo, Lacey, Dorgu; Zirkzee