Carrick backs Man United to come through slump before Atletico Madrid test

Carrick's assessment

Manchester United have taken six points from their opening six Premier League matches, their worst league start since 1986-87 according to Reuters, while The Guardian describes it as their worst in 40 years. Michael Carrick, who took charge in January after Ruben Amorim's departure, said on Monday that the side had fallen short of expectations but backed them to come through a difficult period. Carrick said he did not feel pressure from outside the club and described a group that looks after itself. He pointed to the Champions League as a bright spot, where United beat Sabah FK 4-0 at Old Trafford in September. He also said the last three goals United conceded could have been prevented, and that such details can make the difference.

I understand people thinking it's a disaster, but that's not in our mindset. You've got to be able to deal with it.

Carrick added that the fans are still there and that the team has to give them something in return, saying United will come through the current spell.

Injury and squad news

Matthijs de Ligt returns to the travelling squad after a back injury dating back to November 2025, a boost for Carrick before the match. Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw both picked up knocks in the 1-1 home draw against 10-man Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, and The Guardian reports that neither travelled to Madrid. Carrick said captain Bruno Fernandes is still carrying something and backed him to rediscover his form. Al Jazeera names Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo as the players trying to keep United's hopes alive of turning their season around.

Atletico's form and home record

Atletico Madrid lost their Champions League opener 2-1 at Liverpool, having conceded after Marcos Llorente's opening goal. Al Jazeera reports that Atletico sit second in La Liga, five points behind leaders and title holders Barcelona, after six wins, one draw and one defeat in eight league games. Europa Press reports that Atletico have won nine of their last 11 home matches in European group-stage play and have scored in the first half in 11 of their last 12 home matches in that competition. Atletico have never beaten English clubs in the group stage or league phase, with four draws and seven defeats. Diego Simeone, who has managed the club for nearly 15 years, has reached two Champions League finals and won La Liga twice, according to The New York Times. Matheus Cunha, now in United's attack, played for Atletico between 2021 and 2023 and scored seven goals in 54 games.

Prediction and what comes next

The match kicks off at 21:00 on Tuesday, 13 October at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, which Al Jazeera gives as 19:00 GMT. Opta's supercomputer gives Atletico a 48.5% probability of victory, United 27.2%, and a draw 24.3%.

Atletico Madrid win

48.5

Draw

24.3

Manchester United win

27.2

Atletico Madrid win

48.5 %

Draw

24.3 %

Manchester United win

27.2 %

Europa Press notes that the last 39 European matches of Atletico and the last 49 of United have ended with goals.

Carrick framed the test as a chance to see who stands with the club. He said,

I love this part, of sometimes when it's not quite going for you, you see who's really there

United's next league tests are at Leeds and Como after Tuesday's match, according to RTE.