Atletico Madrid v Manchester United: Confirmed lineups for Champions League 2026-27

Atletico Madrid and Manchester United have confirmed their starting lineups for the second league phase game of the UEFA Champions League 2026-27 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The fixture pits Diego Simeone’s Atletico against Michael Carrick’s Manchester United.

Atletico were outplayed by Liverpool in their opening Champions League fixture but have since compiled four consecutive LaLiga wins, one of which came against Real Madrid. Simeone’s side will be aiming to secure their first win in European competition this season while using home advantage at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano to build confidence. Los Colchoneros plan to control the match from the outset and limit the Premier League side’s chances on goal. Manchester United began their campaign with a 4-0 victory over Sabah FK.

Despite the 4-0 win in Europe, Michael Carrick’s squad have failed to record a victory in their last four domestic matches. In their most recent league outing they were held to a 1-1 draw by a 10-man Tottenham Hotspur. Being away from home is going to put them under pressure from the start. They will need a better approach in the final third to prevail against Atleti.

Alejandro Grimaldo has been identified as one of Atletico’s most consistent performers this season and has scored in both of the club’s last two LaLiga matches. The 31-year-old’s work rate on the left flank will be important once again. Atletico will rely on that left-sided work to try to control the game and reduce Manchester United’s opportunities.

The 27-year-old was the sole goalscorer for Manchester United in their 1-1 draw against Spurs. He will be looking to step up his game and help the Red Devils secure their second consecutive win in the UEFA Champions League 2026-27. Bryan Mbeumo is mentioned as a player capable of operating on the wing and also as a striker.

A victory for Manchester United would register a second straight group-stage win for Carrick’s men, while a home win would hand Atletico their first European victory of the season. The match is the second league phase game of the UEFA Champions League 2026-27 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.