Manchester United will lock horns with Atalanta B.C at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, hoping to pick up all three points on matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League campaign. The Red Devils will be coming into the match on the back of a demoralising 4-2 loss against Leicester City, whereas the Black and Blues recorded a thumping 4-1 victory over Empoli on Sunday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will probably opt for the 4-2-3-1 formation with plenty of tweaks from the last game. Fred might get the nod over Nemanja Matic in midfield, whereas Scott McTominay looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-2-3-1 Predicted Manchester United Lineup Vs Atalanta
Defence
David de Gea is expected to start in between the sticks for the upcoming clash. The Spanish shot-stopper would be looking to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Wednesday.
“Centre-back Raphael Varane has been ruled out for a few weeks after picking up a groin muscle injury while playing for France in the UEFA Nations League Final on Sunday evening. The 28-year-old’s country were winners of the tournament, and his presence in defence will be missed.”– An official report stated.
Hence, given the absence of Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire will continue to form the centre-half partnership with Victor Lindelof at the heart of United’s backline.
Diogo Dalot is a guaranteed starter at the right-back position, whereas Luke Shaw will fill in on the other flank as the left-back. The duo would be expected to stay compact and keep their shape defensively.
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Midfield
Fred is expected to start over Nemanja Matic in the defensive midfield position, whereas Scott McTominay will slot in as the central midfielder.
Bruno Fernandes remains a sure-fire starter for Manchester United this week, and it’ll be an understatement to say The Red Devils will be highly dependent on the Portugal international’s creative work if they wish to pick up a win on Wednesday.
Paul Pogba and Mason Greenwood will take up the wide positions, playing on the left and right-wing respectively.
Jadon Sancho will have to settle for a place on the bench, but he could be brought on in the second half of the contest if needed.
Attack
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead the line for Manchester United in midweek. The 36-year-old striker’s adept movement in front of the goal could cause a lot of trouble for the Atalanta defence that has conceded six goals in their last three league matches.
Marcus Rashford could be in line for his first minutes on the European stage since Manchester United’s Europa League final against Villarreal.
