Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United 13 October 2026 Prediction

Manchester United have six points from six Premier League games, their worst start in 40 years, and manager Michael Carrick is under pressure. His side now visits Atlético Madrid, which has won four straight La Liga matches after losing its Champions League opener.

Atlético Madrid's Four-Game Winning Streak

Atlético opened its Champions League campaign with a 2-1 loss at Liverpool. An early goal from Llorente was not enough as Liverpool came back to win. In La Liga, Atlético has recovered from September's 3-0 defeat to Athletic Club. Wins over Real Sociedad (3-0), Osasuna (4-0), Real Madrid (2-1), and Alavés (2-1) have put Diego Simeone's side second with 19 points. Opposing red cards helped Atlético in its last two games, and Romero did not score the winner in Vitoria until the 87th minute. Still, 11 goals in four league matches is a strong return.

Atlético has few injury concerns. Barrios and Sørloth have recovered, and Grimaldo is available again. Simeone also managed his squad's minutes before this match: Pubill and Hancko started on the bench against Alavés, while Álvarez and Baena came on after halftime. All four could return to the starting lineup. Jonathan David scored in three straight league games before the Alavés match, but Simeone may prefer the more mobile Álvarez against United.

Manchester United's Difficult Start

Carrick's team has won only once in six Premier League games, beating Ipswich 5-2. United is winless in its last four league matches: a 2-2 draw with Everton, a 1-0 loss to Manchester City, and 1-1 draws with Fulham and Tottenham. Against Spurs, United conceded in the 92nd minute despite leading and having a man advantage. Six points from six games is the club's worst start in 40 years. The Champions League has gone better: a 4-0 win over Sabah was United's first victory in the competition in three years. Stronger opponents have exposed familiar problems, though, and United has yet to keep a clean sheet in the league.

In Madrid, Carrick will need to protect central midfield and look for quick attacks through Diallo, Mbeumo, and Cunha. Injuries complicate that plan. Dorgu is out for several weeks, Ugarte has had knee surgery, and de Ligt is recovering from a back injury. Šeško and Mazraoui are questionable. Diallo has returned, Mainoo is ready to start, and Rashford is available for rotation. New signing Baleba made his debut against Tottenham and is also pushing for a starting spot.

Atlético Madrid vs Manchester United Predicted Lineup

Atlético Madrid (3-4-2-1): Oblak; Pubill, Romero, Hancko; Giuliano, Llorente, Cardoso, Grimaldo; Lee Kang-in, Baena; Álvarez

Unavailable: None

Manager: Diego Simeone

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Martínez, Shaw; Baleba, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo

Unavailable: Dorgu, Ugarte, de Ligt, Heaton (injured); Šeško, Mazraoui (questionable)

Manager: Michael Carrick

Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)

Nyberg has averaged 3.67 yellow cards and 27 fouls per game in Sweden's league this season. In nine matches, he has shown one red card and awarded one penalty. His European matches have averaged 3.3 yellow cards and 24.17 fouls.

Atlético Madrid vs Manchester United Prediction: Atlético Madrid to Win

Main prediction: Atlético has beaten Real Madrid and competed well at Liverpool despite losing. United, meanwhile, has not won any of its three Premier League away games. Space between United's lines should give Baena and Álvarez opportunities, while Giuliano's runs could keep United's outside backs occupied. Atlético is also unbeaten at the Metropolitano this season. The pick is Atlético Madrid to win at 1.98.

Goals prediction: Atlético has conceded only twice in its last four La Liga games. No more than three goals have been scored in five of its last six matches across all competitions, or in three of United's last four. United produced just 0.77 expected goals (xG) against Tottenham, even though Spurs finished with 10 players. Carrick is unlikely to favor an open game away from home, and Atlético can control the tempo. The pick is under 3.5 goals at 1.73.