Manchester United will lock horns with Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, hoping to pick up a win and book a place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League competition. The Red Devils will be coming into the match on the back of an encouraging 3-2 win against Tottenham Hotspur, whereas the Rojiblancos recorded a 2-1 victory over Cadiz.
Team News
Scott McTominay (calf), Bruno Fernandes (Illness), and Luke Shaw (COVID-19) remain doubtful for the midweek clash.
“With regard to players, we will still miss out Luke Shaw,” Rangnick said before the Spurs match.
“He’s, until yesterday, being tested positive with Covid, and Scotty is a question mark, he had some problems with his calf so we have to wait and see until after training today.”
“But, right now, it is more likely that he will not be available because if we risk him tomorrow, he will more likely be out for the game on Tuesday. That’s why I tend, with muscular issues – even more so if it’s the calf muscle – I tend to be careful.”
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 several tweaks from the last game. In defence, Luke Shaw might get the nod over Alex Telles, whereas Anthony Elanga 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 Tuesday.
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 should start at the right-back position, whereas Luke Shaw will fill in on the other flank as the left-back.
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Midfield
Scott McTominay is expected to start in the defensive midfield position, whereas Fred 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 Tuesday.
Paul Pogba 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 Anthony Elanga will take up the wide positions, causing menace for Diego Simeone’s men down the left and right-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 kept two clean sheets in their last five matches across all competitions.
Marcus Rashford could be brought off the bench as an impact substitute in the second forty-five minutes of the match.
