Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United | Team News and Predicted Lineup

Manchester United travel to the Spanish capital as the Red Devils look forward to the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League facing Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Round of 16 fixture this Wednesday. Having topped their group despite inconsistent results in the initial stages of the competition, Ralf Rangnick’s side will be keen on moving forward in the competition whilst retaining their focus on securing a top-four spot in the Premier League at the end of the campaign.

Having displayed an encouraging performance against Leeds United last weekend, the Red Devils will look to carry on their winning momentum into tomorrow’s game. With the European trophy serving as their only realistic chance of winning silverware this season, Manchester United will be keen on avoiding a poor display against Atletico Madrid. Besides Edinson Cavani, United remain without any additional injuries for the trip to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. With an envious squad at his disposal, Rangnick will look to secure an important victory on Wednesday.

Manchester United Starting XI Against Atletico Madrid

Having gradually improved in their execution of the manager’s philosophy in recent weeks, the Red Devils will be keen on improving and maintaining their progress until the end of the campaign. With the team looking veritably balanced across the pitch, the German will be looking to string a series of convincing victories in the games.

Goalkeeper

David De Gea (GK): Although having produced an error last weekend, De Gea is expected to remain between the sticks against the Rojiblancos. With the team continuing to concede poor goals, the Spaniard is likely to retain his place in the starting lineup over both legs of the tie.

Defenders

Diogo Dalot (RB): Having been rested against Leeds, Dalot is expected to regain his place in the starting line-up on Wednesday. Although enduring a rough spell in form, the full-back will be keen on contributing to the team’s prospects over the coming weeks.

Raphael Varane (RCB): A vital part of the team, Varane is expected to retain a starting spot against Colchoneros. Although having only made a cameo at Elland Road, the Frenchman is likely to start at centre-back tomorrow.

Harry Maguire (LCB): Having delivered a commanding performance against Leeds, the Manchester United captain is set to remain in the starting line-up against Atletico Madrid. Although yet to deliver a convincing performance, Maguire will be keen on contributing to the team’s prospects in the competition moving forward.

Alex Telles (LB): With Luke Shaw having played the entirety of the ninety minutes last weekend, Telles is likely to feature from the first whistle on Wednesday. Having lost his starting spot due to illness, the Brazilian will be keen on challenging for his spot over the coming weeks.

Midfielders

Nemanja Matic (CDM): With Scott McTominay due for a rest, Matic remains in line to feature from the first whistle tomorrow night. Although having seen reduced game-time in recent weeks, the Serbian could emerge as a vital part of the proceedings over the coming weeks.

Paul Pogba (CM): Amongst the team’s most impactful players in recent weeks, Pogba remains vital to United’s chances of moving deeper into the competition. With the team significantly balanced following his addition, the Frenchman will be keen on delivering his best moving forward.

Bruno Fernandes (CAM): Having delivered relatively disciplined performances in recent games, Fernandes remains the team’s foremost threat across the attacking third. With the team reliant on his impact, the Portuguese international will be keen on improving his contributions moving forward.

Forwards

Marcus Rashford (RW): Having granted a rest against Leeds, Rashford is expected to start against Atletico on Wednesday. Although undergoing a rough spell of form, the winger will be keen on contributing to the team’s prospects over the coming weeks.

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST): With Edinson Cavani unavailable, Ronaldo is expected to lead the line for Manchester United against Atletico Madrid. Although undergoing an inconsistent spell of goal-scoring form, the Portuguese is expected to play a critical role in determining the team’s prospects in the Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United — Image obtained via The Independent

Jadon Sancho (LW): United’s most improved player in recent weeks, Sancho is likely to emerge as a major contributor to the team’s results over the remainder of the campaign. With the team reliant on his impact, the youngster will be keen on increasing his tally of goal contributions moving forward.