Predicted Manchester United lineup to take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League 

The Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid is one of the most enticing clashes of this season’s Champions League Round of 16. Both teams have history from the past, but that doesn’t compare to the rivalry that Diego Simeone’s team has against Cristiano Ronaldo. Both teams would certainly give their all for a win, but only one of them can advance to the next phase.    

Manchester United had a sloppy night against Atletico Madrid in the first leg. Without an 80 minute equalizer from youngster Anthony Elanga, the ball was pretty much in Atletico’s court.

However, in their last game against Tottenham Hotspur, Ralf Rangnick’s men have shown how to get the job done. Notably, Atletico’s biggest fear Cristiano Ronaldo made his intention clear by scoring a hat-trick in that game.        

Team News

Even though Luke Shaw has made his return to the field after a distinctive injury break, Ralf Rangnick insisted that the English man might not be fully fit yet to participate in the coming game. However, the good news is that the German manager welcomed Scott McTominay to training after he missed the weekend’s clash.    

Bruno Fernandes couldn’t offer his services in United’s last game against Tottenham as he was tested positive for Covid-19. But the latest report suggests that the Portuguese is fit and ready to start against Atletico.  

Probable Manchester United XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1 

David de Gea (GK)

David de Gea is strengthening his claim to win the Manchester United player of the season award in every passing game. The Spaniard was relieved when his covid-19 test results came negative. Now he is fit and ready to haunt his former team.    

Diogo Dalot (RB)

Diogo Dalot is continuously creating more pressure on Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who was dropped from the team after a miserable night at the Etihad Stadium. 

Raphael Varane (CB)

Varane is yet to live up to the expectations of the Manchester United fans. But still, there are only a few central defenders in the Premier League who can compete against the exceptional CV of the French man.    

Harry Maguire (CB)

After yet another miserable performance in the Premier League against Tottenham, it seems Maguire is closing to the point where his job at Old Trafford would come under danger.    

Alex Telles (LB)

Luke Shaw’s uncertainty suggests that Alex Telles would be trusted with the big job against Atletico Madrid. The Brazilian would hope to pick the impressive form that he showed against Tottenham. 

Fred (CM)

This is a player that Ralf Rangnick trusts to get the ball back and maintain the fluidity in midfield. The Brazilian did his job against Tottenham, which resulted in a big win.     

Paul Pogba (CM)

The French man is yet to get back to his best after returning from a prolonged injury spell. Pogba could be a nightmare for any top opponent on his best day.      

Bruno Fernandes (AM)

A fan favourite at Old Trafford, Bruno Fernandes’s return to action would undoubtedly release Ralf Rangnick’s head pressure. The Portuguese star has the ability to initiate a move from the midfield and finish it.   

Anthony Elanga (RW)

Despite missing a crucial penalty in the FA Cup fourth-round clash, Elanga kept his cool and performed extensively in the frontline. The youngster has shown the spark to become a top player. Due to Marcus Rashford’s off-form, Elanga is most likely to be trusted to start against Atletico.    

Jadon Sancho (LW)

Even though Sancho is yet to live up to the expectations, he is picking up the pace slowly and efficiently. He even bagged an assist in United’s last game against Tottenham, which suggests that the former Dortmund man is in top-notch shape.   

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST)

If Atletico Madrid had given a choice to exclude one player from the coming 2nd Leg clash, the Spanish team would likely opt-out Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese have the highest number of goals against Simeone’s team.

Furthermore, his incredible performance in the recent UCL knockout ties against Atletico makes him even more dangerous. Betway Sports have boosted Ronaldo to score and Manchester United to win from 3/1 to 7/2 in their football betting markets.

Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid prediction

After the Manchester United clash, Atletico Madrid won all three of their league games. At the same time, the Red Devils had some nights to forget in that span. Even though the Red Devils have individual superstars, they failed to operate efficiently as a team. That’s why we are going for a 2-1 win for Atletico.