Michael Carrick desperately needs a victory tonight as Man United face La Liga giants Atletico Madrid in the Champions League
Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford could be recalled to face Atletico Madrid tonight(Image: Pick the Team/Getty Images)
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick will be feeling the pressure tonight when his team visit Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. United have not won since their first game in this season’s competition and fell to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
As such, changes are expected from the United boss to try and alter his side’s fortunes. One of those changes will not be in goal though as Senne Lammens keeps his place. He might be the undisputed first choice, but his distribution needs to be better against a side with Atleti’s quality.
On Saturday, Carrick shocked many by selecting Leny Yoro at right-back ahead of Diogo Dalot. United’s game plan was given as a reason for this call and it seems likely that Carrick will stick with that decision in Spain. Dalot could be recalled to replace Luke Shaw at left-back.
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In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo is also absent. Mason Mount and Andrey Santos will be vying for that spot, with Santos the marginal favourite to take the position. Youri Tielemans started on Saturday but struggled while Carlos Baleba deserves his full debut.
Bruno Fernandes has been off the pace since his masterclass against Ipswich Town but is unlikely to be dropped by Carrick, especially not for a game of this magnitude. Amad got through his first appearance of the season unscathed and should keep his spot on the right while Benjamin Sesko remains absent.
On the left, Marcus Rashford had a brief cameo against Spurs having lost his place to Matheus Cunha. Cunha was quiet against Tottenham until he helped set up Bryan Mbeumo’s goal. Whilst a good contribution, the Brazilian may have to settle for a place on the bench against his former side.
Finally, Mbeumo should lead the line again in Sesko’s absence. He scored twice against Atleti in pre-season but this is a much trickier test.
Manchester United’s predicted line-up to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League