Manchester United are reportedly looking to use their clash with Atletico Madrid to 'spy' on Giuliano Simeone.
Manchester United are reportedly looking to use their clash with Atletico Madrid to 'spy' on Giuliano Simeone(Image: Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Manchester United are plotting to 'spy' on Atletico Madrid star Giuliano Simeone, according to reports in Spain. United take on the La Liga giants in the Champions League tonight with Michael Carrick facing pressure to turn around their fortunes.
Mundo Deportivo have claimed that the club will also use the European showdown as a way to take a close look at the forward. The outlet has suggested that clubs in England have taken notice of the Argentinian attacker with United joining Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City in the race for his services.
Clubs in London and Manchester have reportedly made informal enquiries over the conditions of a possible move for Simeone. But to Atletico, he is unsellable with four years remaining on his contract and a whopping €500million (£422m) release clause.
But on Tuesday, United will utilise their encounter with Diego Simeone's side to get a first-hand look at his son, Giuliano, according to the outlet.
The trip to the Spanish capital comes during a pivotal period for Carrick after failing to take advantage of their lead against 10-man Tottenham on Saturday. Bryan Mbeumo had given United the lead after they weathered the storm from the North London club and it looked like they would see out the win when Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off for violent conduct.
But in stoppage-time, Dominic Solanke's deft header salvaged a point for Spurs, who were bottom of the Premier League before kick-off.
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Their trip to Madrid kicks off a massive week of action before they take on Leeds United, this weekend.
Carrick has struggled to replicate the form from last season which saw United catapult their way into Champions League qualification following Ruben Amorim's dismissal.
He said: "We expected a lot more. I knew there was going to be a period where it became stickier. That's part of it.
"It's a journey, there will have been times when it's not gone to plan for Atletico, they've had success but it hasn't all been in one direction.
"I understand people thinking it's a disaster but that's not in our mindset. You've got to be able to deal with it."
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick faces a tricky run.
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"The last three goals we've conceded, we could have done something about them. That can be the difference. I love this part when it's not going against you. The fans are there and we've got to give them something. We will come through it.
United spent over £150million in the summer, bringing in the likes of Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. However, there were reports this week that figures at Old Trafford are beginning to come to terms that they 'failed' in the transfer market.