Preview: Carrick in dire situation as United look poor ahead of must-win Champions League clash

Manchester United face Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Metropolitano Stadium. Manager Michael Carrick faces growing pressure after United recorded just one victory in their last six matches across all competitions. In contrast, Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid side enters the contest in strong form, having won their last five games in all competitions following an opening European defeat to Liverpool.

United deal with several absences, including Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte, and Benjamin Sesko, while Lee Kang-in is ruled out for the Spanish hosts. The article predicts an Atletico Madrid 2-1 victory over Manchester United, highlighting Julian Alvarez as the primary attacking threat against Carrick's squad.