Manchester United’s winless run stretched to a fifth game after falling to a 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, as Michael Carrick’s side conceded inside the opening 60 seconds and finished with 10 men as Leny Yoro was sent off.
The visitors made the worst possible start in Madrid as a simple ball behind the much-changed United back-line led Alex Baena to square to Pablo Barrios for a simple finish, despite Heaven’s attempt to clear.
In fairness, United responded well but were guilty of missing chances. Bryan Mbeumo spurned two opportunities in the first half before Bruno Fernandes volleyed wide from in front of goal and then hit the crossbar in the second half.
Yoro’s red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity, awarded following a VAR review after the young centre-back pulled down Jonathan David, ended the match as a contest and Ademola Lookman turned in a rebound to double Atletico’s lead.
After a 1-1 draw against 10-man Tottenham this weekend, Carrick will face mounting pressure as he takes his side to Elland Road on Sunday for a must-win clash at rivals Leeds United.
Follow latest updates from the Metropolitano with our live blog below:
Read MoreWhy was Leny Yoro sent off for Manchester United at Atletico Madrid?
Champions League power rankings: Every team ranked ahead of matchday two
Atletico vs Man Utd LIVE
- Man Utd punished for wasteful display with disastrous Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid
- Ademola Lookman comes off the bench and doubles Atletico's lead after Leny Yoro sent off
- Michael Carrick's side now five games without a win ahead of Sunday's trip to Leeds United
Reaction from Youri Tielemans
22:35 , Mike JonesAnother Manchester United player came out and spoke to Amazon.
Youri Tielemans said: "Tough one. When you concede after a minute it is hard to get into the game straightaway.
"We had more compactness at times, at times we were found out as they had the quality and were going to play through us at times.
"We did well in spells and our character and energy was very good.
"It is very hard to say after a defeat that there is positives. We just have to work hard to keep working and keep trusting in our structure.
"We have to keep working, keep trusting each other and be together on this."
More from Martinez
22:32 , Mike JonesThe defender was asked where United should have strengthened.
He replied: "In general. Last season we did everything, we created the base to create an amazing team.
"It is annoying, disappointing coming here and I am not seeing my team trying to get an amazing result here.
"I don't think so. He [Carrick] does his best. Every season is different. You can't stay with what you did last season. The teams knows how you play, they know every detail, if you don't change next season is a big problem.
"You can't keep changing, changing, changing the manager. What about other areas? I can't say more.
"Tonight it is easy to say the coach, easy to say the players but also we have to see other areas."
Bold words from Martinez
22:27 , Mike JonesLisandro Martinez spoke to Amazon Prime Video after the game and had some stark words to say.
He called out the United higher ups for not investing in the squad.
"Really poor. Really poor. I have to control myself a lot but sometimes is a reflection of the mirror of how is our club at the moment,” Martinez said.
"We did a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top, more players to compete because many teams bring many players as well. Atletico have an amazing team and they deserve to win today.
"I expect more [investment]. 100%. I expect more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox]. I have to be honest, as players we have to do more but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night."
Why was Leny Yoro sent off for Manchester United at Atletico Madrid?
22:23 , Mike JonesLeny Yoro was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity as Manchester United lost to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
The 20-year-old centre-back received the first red card of his career after he put his arm across Atletico forward Jonathan David after he had been played through on goal.
Why was Leny Yoro sent off for Manchester United at Atletico Madrid?
Red card changed the game
22:19 , Mike JonesRooney spoke about the red card and says it changed the game.
He added: “I think so. Michael’s [Carrick] made his changes and I think he felt it was important they stayed in the game at 1-0.
“Towards the end he’s making his changes to get back into the game and to red card then means he has to change the shape and bring different personnel into the game.
“Atletico made it difficult but I think the red card definitely left them with no chance.”
More positives for Man Utd tonight
22:15 , Mike JonesWayne Rooney says that despite the loss there were more positives from Man Utd’s performance this evening.
He explained: “It’s disappointing but there were positive signs tonight. Baleba coming in, I thought he was excellent and added extra energy in the middle.
“I thought Santos done well in there as well. Overall there were a lot more positives tonight. The red card I feel was very soft... and the game was done then.
“There were more positives which I was pleased about.”
Carrick needs a result says Shearer
22:10 , Mike JonesAlan Shearer was on commentary duty for Amazon Prime and summed up the position that Man Utd find themselves in.
“[Carrick] needs a result,” he said, “I don't care who or what you are, what the size of the club is or how much has been spent. What it all boils down to is attitude. It's results. And at the moment they haven't been good enough.
“I said before the game, and during, that they need to stick with him. They can't keep thinking, I'll get ride of another manager, bring another one in. It doesn't work like that.”
'It's a difficult place to come'
22:06 , Mike JonesFormer England goalkeeper, Paul Robinson, says that Man United put in a ‘decent performance’ and faced and ‘uphill struggle’ after going down to 10 men.
On BBC Radio 5 Live he added: “It's a difficult place to come and that made their task 10 times harder.
“It'll be interesting to hear what Michael Carrick has got to say. I don't think he'll be overly down and disappointed with the way that his side has played.”
Victory for Arsenal
22:02 , Mike JonesElsewhere in the Champions League this evening, the Premier League champions secured a 3-0 victory over Lille.
It took Mikel Arteta’s team 64 minutes to open up the French side but once they did they score two more and cruised to a comfortable victory.
Full-time! Atletico 2-0 Man Utd
22:00 , Chris WilsonThe full-time thoughs of Chris Wilson, who is in place at the Metropolitano:
In the end it’s another chastening night for United and Michael Carrick.
There were some decent individual performances from a few United players, and it could have all been so different if Mbeumo or Fernandes had taken their chances, but in the end it’s more of the same.
United have won just two games this season, against newly promoted Ipswich and Champions League debutants Sabah.
Michael Carrick’s system is still a real issue, while nights like tonight also demonstrate the squad-building failures from Vivell, Wilcox and co.
Man United beaten by Atletico
21:57 , Mike JonesOn reflection the performance was probably better than United showed on Saturday against Tottenham
But it’s another defeat and United have only won two of their nine matches this season.
Those wins have come against Sabah and Ipswich.
Full-time! Atletico 2-0 Man Utd
21:55 , Mike Jones90+5 mins: The whistle goes to end the game.
It’s defeat for Manchester United and the rot continues for Michael Carrick’s men.
A poor result on an evening of missed opportunities.
Atletico 2-0 Man Utd
21:54 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: Atletico pile forward and fires crosses and shots into the box.
None are very good and Lammens has no trouble keeping them out.
Atletico 2-0 Man Utd
21:50 , Mike Jones90 mins: Five minutes of added time to play.
Man Utd will just want to get off this pitch. It’s been a difficult night for them.
Atletico 2-0 Man Utd
21:47 , Mike Jones88 mins: Atletico are happy to let United have the ball. There’s no danger to them as things stand and United haven’t created anything with it.
Cunha tries to slip Mbeumo into the box but his pass is intercepted and cleared.
Atletico 2-0 Man Utd
21:44 , Mike Jones85 mins: Five minutes of the 90 to play.
This was a big week for Michael Carrick with games against Atletico tonight and Leeds at the weekend.
Defeat here only increases the pressure to win next time out.
Atletico 2-0 Man Utd
21:41 , Mike Jones82 mins: Carrick makes another couple of changes.
Bruno Fernandes and Ayden Heaven go off with Harry Maguire and Matheus Cunha brought on.
GOAL! Atletico 2-0 Man Utd (Ademola Lookman, 79')
21:39 , Mike JonesThat’s game over.
United are down to 10-men but they’re cut open on the break once more with David driving into the box.
He forces a save out of Lammens but the goalkeeper deflects to ball into the path of Ademola Lookman who turns it home.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
21:36 , Mike Jones77 mins: Carrick and his backroom staff are deliberating over what to do next.
United had shown promise but things will be really tough for them now.
At present they play on with a back three.
RED CARD! Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
21:35 , Mike Jones74 mins: He’s off!
Yoro is shown a straight red for denying a goalscoring opportunity.
The referee looked at the replay and pulled out the red.
United are down to 10-men for the remainder of this game.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
21:34 , Mike Jones73 mins: Leny Yoro and Jonathan David get into a tussle as the forward looks to break into the box.
David goes to ground as Yoro puts his arm across the striker.
The referee initially awards United a free kick but has been called over to the monitor for a red card check...
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
21:31 , Mike Jones71 mins: Crossbar!
A United corner is played short by Fernandes who picks out Amad.
Amad returns the ball and Fernandes shoots from the left side of the pitch.
He strikes it well and rattles the top of the crossbar!
Oblak seemed to have it covered however.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
21:28 , Mike Jones69 mins: Amad is on the left side, Mbeumo has moved to the right with Fernandes more central now. Zirkzee leads the line.
Fernandes takes a shot from range and a deflection puts it into the arms of Oblak.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
21:26 , Mike Jones66 mins: Following a shot from Baena that lands in Lammens’ hands, Carrick makes a triple change for United.
Baleba, Tielemans and Rashford head off with Mason Mount, Amad Diallo and Joshua Zirkzee all introduced.
Fresh legs for the visitors but they still trail.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
21:22 , Mike Jones63 mins: Marc Pubill and Jonathan David are introduced now by Diego Simeone.
They replace Kang-in Lee and the goalscorer Pablo Barrios.
Carrick looks to be preparing some changes of his own.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
21:20 , Mike Jones60 mins: An hour played in Madrid and still Man Utd trail.
If they don’t score tonight they’ll feel as though they’ve left points on the pitch. There’s been enough chances for them to get back into the match.
Atletico have been aggressive too.
Alex Baena strikes an effort from the inside left channel but his attempted curler is fired wide of the far post.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
21:19 , Chris WilsonThe latest from Chris Wilson, who is in place at the Metropolitano:
Huge chances at either end, and both sides will feel like they should have scored.
Neither were necessarily ‘easy’ chances but players of the calibre of Alvarez and Fernandes will know they should be scoring those.
As it is, this game’s still finely poised, and Atletico fans sre starting to get a little impatient with their team.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
21:17 , Mike Jones58 mins: Close!
United attack on the break with Tielemans launching the ball across to Fernandes.
The captain sprints into the box and lifts his shot over Oblak but it bobbles wide of the left hand post!
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
21:15 , Mike Jones55 mins: Tielemans and Rashford combine well on the left to creat space for a cross.
Tielemans is the one to whip it in but he can’t find a teammate and Oblak plucks the ball out of the air.
POST!
In a flash Atletico sweep up the pitch with Barrios flying down the right and swinging a cross out to the opposite side of the box.
Julian Alvarez catches the dropping ball and strikes his effort onto the post!
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
21:13 , Mike Jones53 mins: Marcus Rashford is the first player of the night to earn himself a booking.
He tracks back and cleans out Giuliano Simeone as the Atleti winger attempts to fly forward.
It’s a big tackle and one that will garner praise from the fans. They want more of that type of fight.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
21:11 , Mike Jones51 mins: Baleba wins the ball back in the middle of the pitch and looks to send Rashford on his way down the left.
The winger times his run poorly though and no sooner has he got to the ball than the offside flag goes up.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
21:08 , Mike Jones48 mins: Santos and Dalot do well to get the ball into Fernandes on the right.
He whips an early cross into the box this time but Mbeumo can’t reach it and Oblak clings onto the ball.
Second half! Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
21:05 , Mike JonesAtletico get the ball rolling for the second half. They look come down the right before running into traffic and getting forced backwards.
Can United get themselves back into this match?
HT Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
21:02 , Mike JonesManchester United have won just one of their last nine away games in the Champions League (three draws, five defeats).
They’ve kept just one clean sheet in their previous 14 matches on the road in the competition.
HT Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:58 , Mike JonesOne of the things that will annoy Michael Carrick is that United only managed to have 34% of possession in that first half.
Still, with that, they managed to create four chances with two on target.
That lead to an xG of 0.68 which is more than double Atletico’s 0.33.
Signs to be positive perhaps?
HT Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:57 , Chris WilsonThe latest from Chris Wilson, who is in place at the Metropolitano:
Conceding so early meant it threatened to get ugly for United, but they fought their way back into it and should really have been level after Mbeumo’s two chances.
Nevertheless, it’s the hosts who look the more dangerous of the two sides, and they almost wrapped this one up until that Cardoso effort was ruled out.
The visitors have it all to do here, and they still look extremely shaky at the back.
HT Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:54 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:50 , Mike Jones45+2 mins: Atletico’s opening goal game after 53 seconds.
The better chances then fell to United with Mbeumo, Rashford and Baleba squandering them.
That was until Johnny Cordoso scored mere minutes before the end of the half only to see the effort ruled out for handball.
All to play for in the second half.
NO GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:48 , Mike JonesDisallowed!
United were complaining immediately about the goal. Marcos Llorente, who brought the ball into the penalty area from the right, had the ball bounce up and strike him on the hand.
That was in the build up to the goal and the referee takes a look at the replay and rules the goal out!
A reprieve for United.
GOAL! Atletico 2-0 Man Utd (Johnny Cardoso, 44')
20:47 , Mike JonesBang!
United concede again. Atletico weave and wobble their way into the right side of the box as United try to throw themselves in front of the ball.
Atletico squirt the ball across to the edge of the box and find Johnny Cardoso who rattles a shot into the bottom left corner!
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:41 , Mike Jones39 mins: Diego Simeone kicks off with the referee after the official lets Bruno Fernandes off with a warning after he commits a foul.
The Atletico manager’s temper always bubbles close to the surface and he’s earned himself a yellow card of his own for the outburst.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:38 , Mike Jones36 mins: United do well to take possession and get through a midfield melee with the ball.
It’s played back to Leny Yoro but there’s only Tielemans moving about trying to give him an options.
Everyone else is walking. United’s fans will hate that.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:35 , Mike Jones33 mins: Atletico swing a corner into the box but United’s physicality helps them to work it away.
It’s not long before Atletico recover possession though.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:32 , Mike Jones30 mins: Alex Baena has been a handful for United’s midfield duo of Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba.
Baleba battles with him this time and clatters him to ground.
He’s given a warning from the referee but avoids a yellow card.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:30 , Chris WilsonThe latest from Chris Wilson, who is in place at the Metropolitano:
Another chance for Mbeumo and then a free header at the back post for Baleba...you get the sense United could rue these missed opportunities to get back in the game.
And within a minute they almost do, with a superb free-kick from Grimaldo clipping the top of the bar!
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:29 , Mike Jones27 mins: Save or woodwork?
Woodwork.
Atletico win a free kick inside United’s half and Grimaldo has a shy at goal.
He curls it towards the far top corner but lands the ball on the corner of the post and the crossbar.
Lammens leapt across and wasn’t confident it was missing.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:28 , Mike Jones25 mins: Chance!
Another opportunity for Man Utd to equalise. The corner won from Mbeumo’s effort is whipped over to the far post and Baleba is free.
He heads it at goal but Oblak is on hand again to deny United.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:27 , Mike Jones24 mins: Romero loses the ball to Baleba whose interception knocks it to Mbeumo.
He plays a slick one-two with Tielemans and gets into the box.
A shot is fired at the goalkeeper and Oblak keeps it out!
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:26 , Mike Jones21 mins: It’s simple and easy stuff from Atletico.
Keep hold of the ball and invite Man Utd on in order to create space in behind for their runners.
United just can’t get control on the game.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:21 , Mike Jones18 mins: Atletico are maintaining possession of the ball but aren’t getting much joy.
That is until Andrey Santos lunges into a tackle in midfield and misses the ball. The hosts fizz it out to the left but Diogo Dalot has positioned himself well and holds up the attack.
United get back in shape and force Atletico to retreat.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:17 , Mike Jones15 mins: This is better from Man Utd. They’ve wrestled a bit of momentum back after conceding the goal and are pushing up into Atletico’s final third.
Can they assert some real pressure on their hosts now?
Almost!
Martinez floats a pass over the top as Rashford drives into the box from the left. He attempts to shoot on the volley but misses the dropping ball and it bounces out for a goal kick.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:16 , Chris WilsonThe latest from Chris Wilson, who is in place at the Metropolitano:
That has to go down as both a brilliant save from Oblak and a huge miss from Mbeumo – he has to score that!
United have settled slightly in the last few minutes but they look so vulnerable whenever Atletico pile forward.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:15 , Mike Jones12 mins: Chance!
Mbeumo should score. He’s played in by Tielemans and dances inside of Cristian Romero.
That opens up enough space to shoot but Jan Oblak comes off his line and gets the slightest of touches to take the ball wide of the far bottom corner.
A great save in the end.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:13 , Mike Jones11 mins: The hosts are moving the ball around with ease and confidence. Alex Baena in particular looks hungry to score.
United break up the pitch with Mbeumo feeding the ball out to Marcus Rashford on the left.
Marcos Llorente sticks with the winger and manages to poke the ball out for a throw in.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:11 , Mike Jones9 mins: Again, United look shaky in defence. Carrick switched out Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw for this game and is playing Ayden Heaven out of position.
The defenders haven’t developed enough rapport and that leads to panic when Atletico attack with pace.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:09 , Mike Jones6 mins: Bruno Fernandes is desperate for his teammates to push up the pitch and press as Atletico look to build from the back.
Youri Tielemans does the job but Atletico sweep the ball out to the right.
They then switch the play and feed in Baena. He touches the ball into the box and gets off a timid effort which Lammens deals with.
Atletico 1-0 Man Utd
20:06 , Mike Jones3 mins: Conceding a goal just 53 seconds into a crucial European night isn’t the type of thing Michael Carrick would have been wanting.
Man Utd now need to prove how resilient they can be. They need to keep their shape and forgot about the goal.
United off to the worst possible start
20:05 , Chris WilsonThe latest from Chris Wilson, who is in place at the Metropolitano:
The Metropolitano has understandably erupted as Atletico are off to the perfect start!
As soon as the counter-attack began it looked like United would struggle to contain it, and in the end it’s the worst possible start for the visitors.
GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Man Utd (Pablo Barrios, 1')
20:04 , Mike JonesWell, not the start United wanted.
A mistake in midfield allows Atletico to sweep the ball up to Alex Baena who runs in behind the United back line and drives into the box.
He takes his time and squares a pass to Pablo Barrios who fires at goal.
Ayden Heaven lunges for the ball and tries to block it. He gets a touch but can’t stop it from crossing the line.
Kick off! Atletico 0-0 Man Utd
20:03 , Mike JonesManchester United get the ball rolling at the Metropolitano.
They play it back to Senne Lammens who belts it over to the right side of the pitch where the ball is claimed by the home side.
Whistles around the Metropolitano
20:02 , Chris WilsonThe latest from Chris Wilson, who is in place at the Metropolitano:
The Champions League anthem was drowned out by whistles from the home fans, who are in fine voice this evening.
They also saved from jeers for Julian Alvarez as his name was read out, so they clearly haven’t forgotten the summer saga yet.
Atletico v Man Utd
19:57 , Mike JonesThe teams have made their way out onto the pitch and the Champions League anthem has blared out of the stadium speakers.
United won their first Champions League game of the season, Atletico lost theirs. Who will triumph tonight?
Kick off is up next..
Almost time for kick off
19:53 , Mike JonesMichael Carrick has switched Man Utd’s formation into a 4-3-3 for tonight’s match in order to gain more control in midfield and cut out some of the gaps which have led to goals this season.
That also results in Bruno Fernandes moving over to the right or perhaps Bryan Mbeumo will go there and the captain will play as the central attacker.
We’ll find out shortly.
Atletico's recent record
19:48 , Mike JonesAtletico have lost only two of their 19 matches against English teams in Spain (nine wins, eight draws).
However, they have won only two of their last 15 matches against English teams (three draw, 10 defeats) and none in the Champions League group stage/league phase.
Carrick on Simeone
19:42 , Mike JonesOf his opposing head coach, Michael Carrick said: "I have huge respect for the coach.
“To build takes time, the fact he's been here so long you can see his mark on this team. They're really dangerous.
“It's a great test for us. We think Atlético are as good as any team in Europe. We treat them as one of the very best."
Hope for United?
19:36 , Mike JonesManchester United have lost only one of their last 11 matches against Spanish opponents (seven wins, three draws).
They beat Athletic Club 3-0 away and 4-1 at home in the last fixtures, in the 2024/25 Europa League semi-finals, to make it three successive victories.
United's last 10 matches against Spanish opponents have produced 35 goals, an average of 3.5 per game.
Forget domination of Europe – English clubs face a bleak Champions League future
19:30 , Mike JonesWith the forecast Premier League dominance of the competition yet to come to pass, Richard Jolly explains why worse could be to come for its clubs on the continent.
Forget domination of Europe – English clubs face a bleak Champions League future
Do Man Utd stand a chance?
19:24 , Mike JonesHere are the thoughts from manager Michael Carrick.
"We need to start strongly,” he said.
“We're up against a very good team. We know what to expect, we're ready for it. The way [my players] responded in the second half against Spurs gives me a lot of faith.
“It's fine lines. We didn't start well the other day. Late goals we've conceded have all be avoidable but it's fine margins."
How can Atletico beat Man Utd?
19:18 , Mike JonesDiego Simeone said: "Choosing the best possible players and calmly managing those who start in the best way.
“The match will be long and we have to manage our efforts to compete well.
“Balance, both defensively and offensively, has always strengthened us, and when the team works together we achieve great things."
Bad memories for United
19:12 , Mike JonesAtletico 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?
League phase results
19:06 , Mike JonesThis 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.
The deep-rooted flaw at Manchester United exposed by their latest false start
19:00 , Richard JollyManchester United often hark back to Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign. They are less keen on revisiting the period immediately before it.
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.
The deep-rooted flaw at Manchester United exposed by their latest false start
Atletico team to face Man Utd
18:55 , Mike JonesAtletico 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
Carrick's changes
18:53 , Mike JonesMichael 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.
Man Utd team to face Atletico
18:51 , Mike JonesMan Utd XI: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Heaven, Martinez; Baleba, Santos; Fernandes, Tielemans, Rashford; Mbeumo
Representing United in Madrid... 👊🔥 pic.twitter.com/yppqbPxIN3
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 13, 2026
Diego Simeone previews Man Utd clash
18:42 , Mike JonesAtletico 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."
Michael Carrick reacts to ‘unprecedented’ Manchester City verdict
18:36 , Flo CliffordManchester United head coach Michael Carrick has said the Manchester City has “thrown up a lot of questions” as he and other Premier League managers spoke for the first time since a verdict was handed down.
Carrick reacts to ‘unprecedented’ Man City verdict: ‘Thrown up a lot of questions’
Carrick provides update on De Ligt
18:30 , Mike JonesWill 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."
Dan Armer travels with United
18:24 , Mike Jones18-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."
Atletico Madrid team news
18:18 , Mike JonesDiego Simeone has a fully fit squad to draw upon, with no injury concerns reported.
Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sorloth returned to the team in the 2-1 win over Alaves at the weekend and Arnau Ortiz is back from European suspension after missing the opening-game defeat at Liverpool.
Man Utd's early team news
18:12 , Mike JonesLuke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo haven’t travelled with the Manchester United squad having missed training ahead of the game.
Michael Carrick confirmed that both players picked up knocks in the match against Spurs at the weekend.
Matthijs de Ligt is back with the squad however and could be given minutes as he makes a comeback from injury.
Patrick Dorgu, Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte and Benjamin Sesko have been sidelined due to injury.
How to watch the game
18:06 , Mike JonesTonight’s match will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video with coverage starting at 6.30pm ahead of an 8pm kick off.
Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Amazon Prime Video website or app.
When is Atletico vs Man Utd?
18:00 , Mike JonesThe Champions League encounter between Atletico Madrid and Manchester United takes place on Tuesday 13 October with kick off at 8pm.
The game is being played at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.
Good evening!
15:30 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Champions League action as Manchester United travel to Atletico Madrid with the aim of getting back to winning ways.
It’s been a while since Michael Carrick’s side won a match, with their last victory coming on September 10 with a 4-0 victory over Azerbaijan side Sabah.
That win sits them fourth in the Champions League table but they’ll face a much tougher test against Atletico this evening.
This match is the first of two crucial outings for Carrick and co. with a tricky encounter against Leeds in the Premier League following this weekend. Can United build some confidence with a win tonight?
