Manchester United can be with out captain Bruno Fernandes because the Pink Devils heads to Stockholm on Saturday to face Atletico Madrid. The Portuguese worldwide is amongst a bunch of first-team gamers lacking from the preseason pleasant.
United’s Participant of the Season’s absence has raised questions from supporters, however there is no such thing as a signal that Fernandes is injured. Somewhat, his absence is part of the membership’s technique to combine gamers after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Commercial
Why Is Bruno Fernandes Not Taking part in Towards Atletico Madrid?
Bruno Fernandes has not but returned to Manchester United’s squad for the pre-season coaching camp as he’s nonetheless on an prolonged break from the World Cup.
United’s senior internationals have been granted further day without work following their appearances for his or her international locations within the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Fernandes is a type of but to return to Michael Carrick’s group. It is the identical for gamers like Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, who’re additionally not on the pre-season tour.
Commercial
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United in motion in the course of the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United.(Picture by Ash Donelon/Manchester United by way of Getty Pictures)
Carrick has as an alternative been utilizing a variety of youthful gamers and new signings within the membership’s Scandinavian pre-season marketing campaign as they’ve eased their World Cup stars again into coaching.
The technique has already yielded outcomes. United began the season with an in depth defeat to Wrexham however bounced again with a robust 5-0 win over Rosenborg, the place a number of academy gamers and Joshua Zirkzee impressed.
Manchester United Lineup vs. Atletico Madrid
With Fernandes unavailable, Manchester United to line up as follows:
Commercial
Defenders: Shaw, Yoro, Heaven, Maguire
Midfielders: Santos, Mount
Wingers and Attacking Midfielders: Mbeumo, Lacey, Dorgu;
Carrick will proceed giving alternatives to the membership’s rising expertise whereas sustaining a aggressive core of skilled gamers.
This story was initially revealed by Athlon Sports activities on Aug 1, 2026, the place it first appeared within the Soccer part. Add Athlon Sports activities as a Most popular Supply by clicking right here.