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Cameroon striker Bryan Mbeumo is hitting form just as the Premier League season draws closer.

Mbeumo struck twice as Manchester United recovered from a goal down to defeat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in Stockholm.

The Red Devils had gone into their trip to Sweden after one win and one defeat in their previous two pre-season friendlies, and this was comfortably their toughest test of the summer so far. They began on the back foot, but Mbeumo’s second-half double made sure they emerged with the win - and lifted the Snapdragon Cup.

Michael Carrick selected a strong starting XI at the Strawberry Arena, one that may not be too far away from the side set to begin against Hull City in the Premier League later this month. Most notably, Amad Diallo was preferred to Joshua Zirkzee in attack, while the midfield duo of Mason Mount and Andrey Santos again caught the eye. There was no Youri Tielemans, who has joined up for pre-season but is not yet regarded as match fit and was left at home.

It was an intensely frustrating opening half for United, with Arnau Ortiz putting Atletico ahead in the fifth minute in inadvertent fashion, as his whipped cross evaded everyone and crept in at the far post, leaving Tom Heaton and Harry Maguire exchanging puzzled looks inside the six-yard box.

Mason Mount continued to impress in his new role.

From that point, the match was largely played in one direction, but despite creating a host of opportunities United were unable to restore parity. Patrick Dorgu had the better of his marker, the young Jorge Dominguez, throughout but could not fully capitalise on the promising positions he found himself in. Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro and Mbeumo all failed to hit the target with headers.

Luke Shaw came closest when he met Shea Lacey’s cross and forced Jan Oblak into action with a fierce volley. Heaton was needed again late in the half, though, making an unconvincing save to prevent Ortiz from grabbing his second and ensuring United went into the break only one goal behind.

Bryan Mbeumo then delivered twice.

United were level soon after the restart, as Lacey was brought down in the penalty area and Mbeumo calmly converted from the spot. Lacey nearly added his own name to the scoresheet shortly afterwards, weaving into the box before drawing a save from Sami Esquivel.

Clear-cut openings became scarce after that as the match slipped into the slow rhythm so often associated with friendlies. The atmosphere at the Strawberry Arena matched that subdued tempo.

But United only required one decisive moment, and it arrived when Jack Fletcher burst down the right before setting up Mbeumo for his second goal of the afternoon, putting his side ahead with 15 minutes remaining. There was another moment for the Swedish United supporters to enjoy soon after, as JJ Gabriel came on for the goalscorer to make his senior debut.

Atletico had one final chance to draw level late on, but were denied in cruel fashion by both posts, with Morten Hjulmand striking one and Rodrigo Mendoza heading against the other. In the end, though, United claimed the victory.

They are back in friendly action in a week, when they take on Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg.