AT THE DOUBLE! Mbeumo hits brace to inspire Man Utd comeback win against Atletico Madrid as Carrick runs rule over stars in pre-season test

Manchester United came from behind to defeat Atletico Madrid in Sweden. Bryan Mbeumo scored a brace to lead Michael Carrick's side to a 2-1 win as 15-year-old JJ Gabriel made his first senior appearance.

United entered their third pre-season match of the summer at the Strawberry Arena in Solna, looking to build on the momentum from their thrashing of Rosenborg. It did not start well for the Premier League team.

Atletico Madrid took the lead after just five minutes when a teasing cross from Arnau Ortiz ghosted into the net at the far post. It escaped the clutches of attack and defence to give Diego Simeone's side a one-goal advantage.

Luke Shaw, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad all went close as United controlled much of the proceedings in the opening half but could only go into the break down a goal.

Seven minutes into the second period, Shae Lacey showed some quick feet in the Atletico area to force a challenge and win a penalty after tripping on a dangling leg. Mbeumo coolly dispatched his penalty to put United on level terms.

With a raft of changes, Atletico proved a more threatening force as the game went on but Carrick's men managed to find another breakthrough. Jack Fletcher pounced on an errant pass before playing in a dangerous ball for Mbeumo to grab his second.

Mirror Football takes a look at the talking points that arose from the clash.

There isn't a great deal of room in the No.10 spot at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes is all but guaranteed to take on that role at the start of the season as United's captain and best player.

But Shea Lacey did not look out of place playing in behind Bryan Mbeumo and made a decisive contribution. The 19-year-old showed slick feet to win United's penalty and looked lively enough to give Carrick something to consider when forming his squad for a Premier League and Champions League assault.

It was only a friendly, of course, but he looked ready to play somewhere.

It would be easy to think Mason Mount doesn't have a natural place in a midfield pairing. Alongside Andrey Santos, he continued to shine against Atletico Madrid. The former Chelsea star proved a useful glue between midfield and attack, having already impressed during pre-season.

The 27-year-old was offered the freedom to attack while Santos sat deeper. Mount showed an array of smart turns and clever one-twos to press his case while the likes of Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo are yet to return.

Mount has been trusted to be a leader by Carrick and is delivering so far this summer.

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Michael Carrick made two changes to his pre-season side to face Atletico, with Tom Heaton and Amad coming in. The latter is the first of United's World Cup stars to return, and his introduction saw Mbeumo move into a forward position.

There is perhaps more to glean from Radek Vitek and Zirkzee dropping out. The goalkeeper has publicly spoken of his desire to leave to find first-team football, and while Heaton is unlikely to see a significant role in the coming season, Carrick is perhaps now looking with a more long-term view.

Likewise, Zirkzee has been firmly linked with an exit, most prominently to Juventus. The Dutchman is unlikely to feature much in Carrick's plans, but the United boss wasted little time making the change, despite not being able to introduce a striker.

Even when Amad was replaced at half-time, it was Jack Fletcher who was introduced. Zirkzee was brought on with 17 minutes remaining.

Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir could also be on the way out. He completed an individual training session ahead of the match amid reports that Celta Vigo had agreed a deal for his services.

For much of the game, United were untroubled, but on the rare occasions Atletico made their way into the area, the Red Devils lacked much conviction. Carrick might have been pleased with his team's pressing but he would have be less impressed with the goal United conceded.

It may have been described as a 'freak' goal by some, but only an Atletico Madrid player attempted to get on the end of the cross. Neither Harry Maguire nor Ayden Heaven got off the ground as the ball bounded past a flat-footed Tom Heaton.

It's a goal that you may allow over the course of pre-season, however, and more defenders are set to return. The likes of Noussair Mazraoui, Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez are still to return, and Leny Yoro may not be required to play at full-back once the season starts.

The Frenchman showed some ambition going forward, but his end product wasn't always up to the task.

While Toby Collyer, Jacob Devaney, Dan Gore and Chido Obi are all set to play for United's under-21s against Altrincham on Saturday night, 15-year-old JJ Gabriel remained with Michael Carrick's squad. The youngster was named to the bench against Atletico as he continues to gain experience with the first team.

The teenager has received no shortage of hype despite his tender age, and that is set to continue if he continues to figure in Carrick's plans. Gabriel was introduced in the final 10 minutes to make his first senior appearance for the team. United will hope it's the first of many.

Carrick opted to use just one substitute at half-time in comparison to Atletico's four. With just three weeks until United face Hull, the head coach is clearly looking to build towards a match-fit group of players, even with key figures such as Bruno Fernandes yet to return.

"We’re just looking for improvement and signs of improvements, little bit of fitness, quality, technique, some connections and links in the team to keep moving forward in the right direction," Carrick said ahead of the game. "We’ve had a good spell in these three weeks and the boys are ready for another game today."

It wasn't quite exhilarating or dominant but Carrick will be encouraged by his team's pressing and attacking patterns. He probably got what he wanted from the game.