Manchester United announce 23-man squad for Atletico Madrid: Two internationals return, Tielemans not included, four youngsters omitted

Manchester United's third pre-season friendly takes place on Saturday at 9 PM local time against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm. Amad Diallo and Altay Bayindir, who featured in the World Cup, are back in the squad. However, four young academy players have been omitted from the official list, suggesting they may not be part of the first team this season. Injured trio Sesko, De Ligt, and new goalkeeper Carl Darlow continue to miss out.

Amad represented Ivory Coast in the World Cup knockout stages and returned as scheduled. Bayindir was just a backup goalkeeper for Turkey, playing zero minutes, and after their group stage exit, he was given an extended break. United hoped he would find a new club to transfer to, but so far no progress has been made, so he has returned to training to wait for opportunities.

Both of them joined the training camp on Monday and have had a week of practice, so they are available for the match. However, Belgian international Youri Tielemans and goalkeeper Sena Raimi, who returned on Thursday, will not play in this game. They need to regain match fitness through training before appearing. Therefore, the debut of the £35 million new signing Tielemans will have to wait until next week.

Tainan Thompson, the Tottenham winger signed by United for £8 million, trained with the first team this week but still did not make the squad. According to the club's plan, the 18-year-old talent will mainly play for the Under-21s this season, with occasional first-team training sessions.

Carrick has reduced the number of traveling players. For the first two matches, he took 25 players, but this time only 23 are traveling. The match against Atletico at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm is expected to have 50,000 spectators. The opponent is stronger than the previous two, and Diego Simeone's side will be without new signings Alex Grimaldo and Lee Kang-in, but another new arrival, Martin Uelman, is available to play.

United flew to Scandinavia on Friday. The traveling squad includes 15-year-old academy prodigy Gabriel, who replaced Ethan Wheatley in the squad for the previous match but did not make his debut. He retains hope of making his first appearance this week. Midfielder Jim Swits is in a similar situation, having been an unused substitute in the first two games.

Academy midfielders Toby Collier, Dan Gore, Jacob Devaney, and striker Chido Obi were unfortunately left out of the squad, suggesting they may have no place in Carrick's plans for the new season. According to British media, Collier and Gore have reportedly been told to leave, while Devaney and Obi may be loaned out for experience.

These players were arranged to play in the Under-21s' friendly on Friday, a 1-0 loss to Altrincham, a National League side. All four started, and Gore served as captain. In that match, Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon, signed last year for £7 million, and Colombian defensive midfielder Christian Orozco, who completed his transfer this summer, also participated.

According to official club information, in the friendly against Atletico, Carrick's team will continue to wear the blue away kit to promote this newly unveiled jersey.

Manchester United's 23-man squad for Atletico: Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Dermot Mee, Radek Vitek; Harry Amass, Luke Shaw, Daniel Amo, Eden Haven, Maguire, Leny Yoro, Jaydan Kamason; Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Mason Mount, Andre Santos, Swits; Shea Lacey, Mbemo, Amad, Gabriel, Ethan Williams, Patrick Dorgu, Zirkzee.