Man United visit Atletico Madrid tonight hoping to continue their 100 per cent winning record in the Champions League league phase
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick needs a win tonight to ease pressure at Old Trafford
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick needs a win tonight to ease pressure at Old Trafford(Image: Getty Images/Pick the Team)
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Manchester United are in the Spanish capital today as they prepare to face Atletico Madrid in their second Champions League league phase fixture. United picked up a routine three points against Sabah FK last month but Michael Carrick is in desperate need of another win tonight to ease the pressure.
The Reds have not won since the 4-0 victory over Sabah and in their last two matches they have picked up unconvincing draws against Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur. Carrick will be without Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui, Patrick Dorgu and Benjamin Sesko for tonight's game.
Carlos Baleba made his debut off the bench against Spurs and could make his first start tonight. Amad came through his first game of the season unscathed and could start tonight.
Take a look at who MEN Sport's United writers have picked to face Atleti below...
Tyrone Marshall
There are going to be more square pegs in round holes with United’s injury problems and that is particularly the case in defence. I’d go with Dalot at left back and Yoro at right back, with Maguire and Martinez in the middle. Although I did consider Heaven at left back as well.
Mainoo’s absence means Baleba has to start and I’d actually go with him alongside Santos. Tielemans needs a rest and United need legs in midfield in this game.
The attack is a bit of an issue as well. I’d bring Rashford back on the left, play Mbeumo through the middle and keep Amad in the team.
Steven Railston
Ideally, Carrick would make a change in central defence, but injuries mean his hands are tied, so Dalot and Yoro have to play at left-back and right-back, respectively.
I was in favour of starting Baleba against Tottenham last weekend, even if he was half-fit, and he must be one of the first names on the team sheet today. I'd also give Mount a start to provide some much-needed intensity in midfield.
Amad, Mbeumo and Rashford feel like the best options across the attacking line. The latter was a late substitute against Spurs and will be fresh to perform against a team he played against on loan with Barcelona last season.
Jack Flintham
United have been thrown a curveball with Mainoo and Shaw out. Dalot will need to fill in at left-back while Yoro continues at right-back.
In midfield, Baleba has to make his full debut after doing well against Spurs at the weekend. He could be joined by Mount which is a risk but he gives United more creativity compared to Santos or even Tielemans who has struggled for form recently.
No Sesko means there is room for Amad and Mbeumo in the team. Rashford should come in ahead of Cunha but I wouldn't be surprised to see Carrick stick with the former Atleti man.
Tyrone Marshall
Tyrone Marshall is the Manchester Evening News' Manchester United Correspondent. A seasoned journalist, he began by covering Burnley during their time in the Premier League before joining the Manchester Evening News (MEN) in 2018. Since then, he has closely followed the fortunes of United, delivering comprehensive coverage of one of the world's biggest clubs. Over the course of his career, Tyrone has reported from major domestic and European finals and travelled on multiple pre-season tours, providing on-the-ground insight and analysis. His work spans breaking news, in-depth features, match reports and opinion pieces. Recognised for the quality of his reporting, Tyrone has received industry awards for his football journalism.