Atletico Madrid v Manchester United LIVE: Team news and latest updates in Champions League tie
Bad memories for United
Atletico are unbeaten in the four meetings between the sides (two wins, two draws).
Their most recent encounters came in the 2021/22 Champions League round of 16, where the Spaniards drew 1-1 in Madrid before winning 1-0 in Manchester.
Can United upend that recent form and secure a win tonight?
Mike Jones13 October 2026 19:12
League phase results
This week’s Champions League fixtures are only the second in the league phase of this year’s competitions.
Manchester United kick off their campaign with an easy 4-0 win over Sabah.
Atletico had a trickier time of things and were beaten 2-1 away from home by Liverpool. Marcos Llorente sent the visitors ahead at Anfield before Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister secured a comeback win.
Mike Jones13 October 2026 19:06
The deep-rooted flaw at Manchester United exposed by their latest false start
When Dominic Solanke equalised for Tottenham on Saturday, however, they were, if only statistically, transported back to the dog days of Ron Atkinson’s tenure.
With six points from six games, United have made their worst start to a league campaign since 1986-87.
Richard Jolly13 October 2026 19:00
Atletico team to face Man Utd
Atletico Madrid XI: Oblak; Llorente, Romero, Hancko, Grimaldo; Simeone, Barrios, Cardoso, Alex Baena; Alvarez, Kang-in Lee
Subs: Musso, Mendoza, Sorloth, Lookman, David, Arnau Ortiz, Pubill, Hjulmand, Le Normand, Lituba, Dani Martinez, Castillo
Mike Jones13 October 2026 18:55
Carrick’s changes
Michael Carrick makes a bunch of changes to the team that faced Tottenham at the weekend.
Lisandro Martinez is the only member of the defence to retain his place with Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven all brought in.
Carlos Baleba makes his first start for the club alongside Andrey Santos in midfield while Marcus Rashford comes in for Matheus Cunha.
Mike Jones13 October 2026 18:53
Man Utd team to face Atletico
Man Utd XI: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Heaven, Martinez; Baleba, Santos; Fernandes, Tielemans, Rashford; Mbeumo
Mike Jones13 October 2026 18:51
Diego Simeone previews Man Utd clash
Atletico Madrid’s coach, Diego Simeone, spoke ahead of tonight’s clash on what he is expecting from Manchester United.
“They apply a lot of pressure in the opposition’s half,” he said.
“They’re very aggressive, play with great intensity, make clever runs to buy time in the first phase of pressing and have quick players.”
Mike Jones13 October 2026 18:42
Carrick provides update on De Ligt
Will Matthijs de Ligt play a part in tonight’s game now that he’s back in the squad?
“I’m definitely comfortable with him playing,” said Michael Carrick at Monday’s press conference..
“Of course, there is the element of when that time is and how much it is. He played a little bit of the Lausanne [friendly] game and he’s done a fair bit of training but, of course, we’re working our way through it.
“So it’s not too much, too soon. I’ve definitely got the confidence in him, no doubt about that.”
Mike Jones13 October 2026 18:30
Dan Armer travels with United
18-year-old defender Dan Armer has been included in the Manchester United squad that travelled to Madrid.
“We’re not light on numbers, no,” said Michael Carrick when asked if United’s injuries had hindered the team.
“Of course, we’ve got a couple of issues with some players missing out but we’re definitely not light on numbers. It’s good for Dan to be part of it and for younger players to sample it, the build-up to the game, and get a sense of it.
“It’s good to have Matta [De Ligt] in and around it. We’ve had a little bit of patience with him, working through that and working hard to get to this stage. He’s had a long journey so we’re delighted to have him back.”

Mike Jones13 October 2026 18:24