How Man Utd could line up against Atletico Madrid with Spanish giants’ worst nightmare Cristiano Ronaldo set to start
MANCHESTER UNITED travel to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening for a crunch Champions League last-sixteen first leg clash. Ralf Rangnick is expected to have near to a clean bill of health for the clash against the LaLiga champions, with just Edinson Cavani at risk of missing out.
Man Utd’s likely starting XI to face Atletico Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to lead the line against the team he has faced more times in his career than any other club.
Diego Simeone and Co won’t be looking forward to a reunion with Ronaldo due to the fact he’s bagged a whopping 25 goals against them.
Raphael Varane was a late substitute against Leeds at the weekend after missing the Brighton game through illness, but is likely to be restored to the starting side in Madrid.
And the feisty 4-2 win at Elland Road could force Rangnick into further changes.
Scott McTominay showed off scars on his legs after the grudge match and could be replaced by Fred, who will partner Paul Pogba in midfield.
Bruno Fernandes is set to occupy his usual position in behind Ronaldo, while Jadon Sancho will be hoping to continue his good run of form on the left hand side.
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Elsewhere Marcus Rashford may come in for Jesse Lingard on the right after the latter made his first Premier League start of the season at Leeds.
Diogo Dalot could also be reinstilled to the side after Aaron Wan-Bissaka played at the weekend.
In the other full-back position Luke Shaw is likely to keep his place after starting the last four games.
David De Gea is guaranteed to play between the sticks, with skipper Harry Maguire set to line up alongside Varane in front of him.
Alternatively youngster Anthony Elanga could be rewarded with a starting berth after coming off the bench to score against Leeds.
An alternative Man Utd XI to play Atletico Madrid
That would see Sancho shuffled out to the right and Rashford benched for a third consecutive game.
Wan-Bissaka could also be rewarded with back-to-back starts if Rangnick was impressed by the full-back on Sunday.
McTominay’s steely display may see him keep his place too, permitting he’s recovered from the war wounds suffered at Elland Road.
Cavani has missed the last three games after picking up a knock in training following the 1-1 draw at Burnley.
But even if passed fit for the trip to Madrid he’s only likely to make the bench.
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