Report: Atletico Madrid 1 United 0

Sunday's friendly against Rayo Vallecano will be shown live on the United App, MUTV and ManUtd.com.

Manchester United's penultimate pre-season clash resulted in 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid at the Ullevaal Stadion, as Joao Felix's late strike proved to be the difference. Erik ten Hag also handed a debut to new signing Christian Eriksen. 

Marcus Rashford was the first United player to trouble Jan Oblak early on. The Reds no.10 burst forward down the left flank before cutting in and forcing a smart save from the Slovenian. 

Anthony Martial then broke in behind just moments later, before blazing his effort over the crossbar, as Ten Hag’s side continued their early promise. 

Victor Lindelof defended superbly to prevent Geoffrey Kondogbia from handing Diego Simeone’s side the lead soon after. The Sweden captain vitally intercepted with the goal seemingly gaping, following Marcus Llorente’s deflected effort.

Tempers flared as the first period rolled on, with United continuing to heap the pressure on the La Liga side, before a fracas broke out after Scott McTominay challenged Atleti goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

Just before the hour mark, Atletico opted to switch around their personnel, with wholesale changes made by Simeone. Antoine Griezmann, Koke and Joao Felix were among the nine players introduced, so United faced a different challenge heading into the final 30 minutes. 

Christian Eriksen was then sent on for his Reds’ debut, as fans inside the Nowegian national stadium rose to their feet to chant the Dane’s name.

Seemingly operating in the no.10 role, the former Brentford man looked to make good on his early promise, and wonderfully delivered an in-swinging corner after 75 minutes. Harry Maguire met it, but could only drag his header wide. 

Rashford then again looked to exploit Atletico’s backline, as the contest entered the last 10 minutes. The England international twisted and turned, but his shot was blocked, and substitute Facundo Pellistri’s follow up was also cleared. 

Joao Felix then opened the scoring with just under five minutes left, after working an opening before firing past De Gea. Fred was then dismissed shortly after, following a foul on Alvaro Morata that warranted a second caution. Thankfully, the red card will not trigger a competitive ban for our no.17.

Always felt Ten Hag's coaching could benefit Rashford. He's looked full of confidence today, having a real impact on the game from the left #mufc

— Tyrone Marshall (@TyMarshall_MEN) July 30, 2022

My word Christian Eriksen is a sublime footballer. On for a couple minutes and he’s produced the game’s best pass already. What a joy to see him in a United shirt. #mufc

— Alex Turk (@AlexCTurk) July 30, 2022

Christian Eriksen looks so right in a Manchester United kit ❤️ pic.twitter.com/z5bwpel6ab

— GOAL (@goal) July 30, 2022

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

The short version of the match highlights are available to watch below.

Extended editions, including the full 90 minutes are also available on the United App and ManUtd.com.

MATCH DETAILS

United: De Gea, Dalot, Lindelof, Maguire (c), Malacia; McTominay, Fred; Elanga, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial

Subs not used: Kovar, Heaton, Laird, Telles, Martinez.

Bookings: Fred, Maguire, McTominay

Dismissals: Fred 90+1.

Atletico: Oblak (c), Molina, Gimenez, Savic, Reinildo; Llorente, Kondogbia, Lemar, Carrasco; Correa, Cunha.

Goals: Felix 86.

Subs not used: Grbic, Paulo, Martin, Ojeda, Aleman.

Bookings: Oblak, Reinildo, Lemar, Saul.

NEXT FIXTURE

United's final test during pre-season comes tomorrow afternoon, as we face Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford. With the remaining members of Erik ten Hag's squad expected to gain valuable minutes ahead of our season opener against Brighton next Sunday (August 7), the action is set to get under way at 16:00 BST.

The Reds have never faced off against the La Liga side before, with Andoni Iraola's men set to do battle against their third English opponent of pre-season, having already beaten Sheffield Wednesday and drawn with Birmingham City.

Every pre-season game - including our clash with Rayo Vallecano on Sunday (16:00 BST) - will be shown live on MUTV, now available in our app and on ManUtd.com.