Manchester United will head to Italy to face Atalanta at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on Tuesday, looking to achieve progression from the Champions League Group F.
The Red Devils produced a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against Atalanta at Old Trafford last month that put them on the top of Group F.
A run of poor form and results in the Premier League has put Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s position at the club in jeopardy.
But Sunday’s 3-0 win over Tottenham in north London gave him a much-needed lifeline. He’ll be keen to build on that performance with a strong showing in their next outing in the Champions League.
Manchester United Team News
Victor Lindelof has not travelled with the Manchester United squad to Italy after picking up a knock in training. Other than Lindelof, Solskjaer has a fully fit squad available for selection on Tuesday.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Atalanta (3-4-1-2)
Goalkeeper
A clean sheet against Tottenham should have given David de Gea some much-needed confidence heading into the Atalanta game. He’s been one of Manchester United’s rare bright sparks so far this season and will start in goal.
Defence
Solskjaer is expected to stick with the three-man backline that worked so well for his team in the 3-0 victory over Spurs.
Raphael Varane’s return to the Manchester United lineup against Spurs after recovering from a muscle problem instantly made a difference in defence. With the Frenchman in the team, there’s an air of assurance and solidity at the back. Harry Maguire will as usual keep his place in the team while Luke Shaw could tuck in the three-man backline to fill in for the injured Lindelof.
Alex Telles, known for his driving runs and crossing ability, could be handed an opportunity at left wing-back. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, after a strong display against Tottenham, should retain his place at right wing-back.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Atalanta
Midfield
Paul Pogba missed the weekend clash due to a domestic suspension but is available for selection on Tuesday. He should walk straight into the Manchester United lineup, replacing Fred and partnering Scott McTominay in the middle of the park.
With Pogba and McTominay providing the creativity and solidity from midfield, Bruno Fernandes will look to carve open the Atalanta defence with his incisive passing and vision.
Attack
Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani worked well as a pair up front against Spurs but the latter is likely to drop out from the Manchester United lineup, paving the way for Marcus Rashford to start.
Ronaldo, with seven goals across all competitions, will look to make a mark on his return to Italy. Rashford was a constant pest for the Serie A outfit at Old Trafford and will be raring to continue his rich goal-scoring exploits after returning from shoulder surgery last month.