Why is Youri Tielemans not part of Manchester United squad for Atletico Madrid friendly? | OneFootball

The Belgian moved to Manchester earlier this month

New Manchester United signing Youri Tielemans has not been included in their squad to face Atletico Madrid.

The Belgian, 30, reported for pre-season duty at Carrington yesterday and appeared set to feature against Atleti on Saturday in Sweden.

However, neither Tielemans nor international team-mate and first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens will make an appearance.

Instead, they are expected to be included in Michael Carrick’s squad in time for their next pre-season game against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, August 8.

The side are remaining in Europe for pre-season for the first time since 2021’s COVID-19 travel restrictions. They have toured the US, Asia and Australia since then.

Back at it: Patrick Dorgu and Senne Lammens

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The midfielder completed his move to Old Trafford on July 15, joining for £35million from Aston Villa after the 13-time Premier League winners activated his release clause.

The Red Devils are due to face Diego Simeone’s Atleti on Saturday at 2pm BST in Solna, Sweden.

It is their third pre-season game so far, after a 1-0 loss to Wrexham in Norway and 5-0 victory over Rosenborg.

Tielemans and Lammens featured in all of Belgium’s games as they reached the World Cup quarter-finals before losing 2-1 to eventual winners Spain.

The midfielder captained his side and played a major part, scoring a double to beat Senegal in the last 32.

Carrick - who signed a two-year deal in May to become United’s permanent manager - is preparing his side for the Champions League after a two-year absence.

He joined the Old Trafford side as interim boss in January after Ruben Amorim’s tumultuous 14-month reign’s abrupt end. The former Tottenham and West Ham midfielder then guided United to a third-place finish.

Carrick has prioritised shoring up his team’s midfield so far. Andrey Santos’ £48m signing from Chelsea - alongside Tielemans’ arrival - will help fill the gap left behind after Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s long-term injury.