Manchester United will clash heads with Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday night, hoping to pick up a win in the first leg of the Round of 16, UEFA Champions League. The Red Devils will be coming into the match on the back of an encouraging 4-2 win against Leeds United, whereas the Rojiblancos recorded a 3-0 victory over Osasuna on February 19.
Team News
Edinson Cavani (groin) and Eric Bailly (ankle) remain as doubts for the upcoming fixture.
Mason Greenwood remains suspended until further notice after being arrested on suspicion of rape and assault.
Ralf Rangnick will probably opt for the 4-3-3 formation with a couple of tweaks from the last game. Raphael Varane might get the nod over Victor Lindelof in defence, whereas Diogo Dalot seems likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-3-3 Predicted Manchester United Lineup Vs Atletico Madrid
Defence
David de Gea is expected to start 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.
Raphael Varane is expected to start at the heart of United’s backline, with skipper Harry Maguire slotting into the left-centre back position. 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.
Midfield
Scott McTominay is expected to start in the defensive midfield position, whereas Paul Pogba 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.
Fred 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
Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford will take up the wide positions, causing menace for Diego Simeone’s men down the right and left-wing, respectively.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead the line for Manchester United in midweek. The 37-year-old striker’s adept movement in front of the goal could cause a lot of trouble for the Atletico defence that has conceded ten goals in their last five league matches.
Anthony Elanga could be brought off the bench as an impact substitute in the second forty-five minutes of the match.
