5 reasons why Manchester United could beat Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League
Three-time Champions League winners Manchester United have not been at their best in recent years. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement almost a decade back, the Red Devils have neither won the Premier League nor the Champions League.
Many managers have come and gone in that time span, but none has managed to make the team play the brand of football fans can be proud of.
Ralf Rangnick, who is expected to serve as United’s interim manager until the summer, has been trying something different. His team presses higher, tries to string passes together, and breaks away at pace. His “new look” Manchester United have had moderate success in the league, but are yet to find consistency.
On Tuesday night, Rangnick’s men will face their toughest test of the season yet, in the form of a spirited Atletico Madrid side. In the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 encounter last month, an Anthony Elanga strike saved their blushes, securing a 1-1 draw.
United will need to put their best foot forward in the return leg at Old Trafford to find the consistency they’ve been striving for.
Los Rojiblancos are not an easy team to brush aside, but Manchester United may have just enough in their repertoire to secure a win.
Here are five factors that could help Rangnick’s men get the better of Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16 second leg on Tuesday night:
#5 Manchester United’s Old Trafford advantage
Manchester United’s home ground Old Trafford is one of the most iconic stadiums in world football.
Nicknamed “The Theater of Dreams,” the stadium can seat 74,140 people, making it the largest club football stadium in the United Kingdom.
This Manchester United stat is just absurd... 🤯 https://t.co/qWxVDBPPS7
Playing in front of a packed stadium is unlikely to be a straightforward affair for Atletico Madrid. Boos and jeers will ring across the ground every time the visitors touch the ball.
We won’t be surprised if we see a few nervy moments and some unforced errors from Atletico out on the pitch tonight.
#4 Fitness boost for the Red Devils
United regulars Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw, and Scott McTominay all sat out in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
While Fernandes and Shaw missed out after testing positive for COVID-19, McTominay was nursing a calf injury.
Bruno Fernandes leads the assists charts this season... 
🔝 Bruno Fernandes leads the assists charts this season...
#UCL https://t.co/Oo2BmYPF2z
However, much to the Old Trafford outfit’s delight, all three trained with the squad on Monday morning. Rangnick has admitted (via Manchester Evening News) that there’s a little question mark on Shaw’s match fitness, but he cleared McTominay and Fernandes.
As of right now, the Red Devils have their entire squad ready and raring to go for Tuesday’s clash against Atletico.