Ralf Rangnick will take charge of his first Champions League knockout game in more than a decade when Manchester United visit Atletico Madrid for the first leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday.
Rangnick, who oversaw Schalke’s semifinal run in 2011, has turned United’s form around after replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in December. United have lost just two games under the German so far and are unbeaten in their last eight away matches in all competitions.
United topped their group relatively comfortably after winning three and drawing two of their games, while Atletico advanced to the knockout rounds by the skin of their teeth after managing just seven points.
Manchester United have faced Atletico only twice before, with the Spanish champions winning 4-1 on aggregate in the 1991-92 Cup Winners’ Cup.
Manchester United Team News
Edinson Cavani remains out, having missed the last two games against Leeds United and Brighton & Hove Albion through a niggling groin injury.
Eric Bailly has made the trip to Madrid after shaking off an ankle problem, while Raphael Varane is expected to return to the Man United lineup.
Mason Greenwood remains suspended.
Predicted Man United Lineup vs Atletico Madrid (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
David De Gea will start in goal for Manchester United against his former club. The Spaniard has been one of their most impressive players this season and won the Premier League’s Player of the Month award in January.
Defenders
Raphael Varane sat out the game against Leeds, but he will return to the Man United lineup for this contest. The Frenchman was involved in 25 Madrid derbies during his spell with Real Madrid. He will partner Harry Maguire, who has been in abysmal form from a defensive standpoint, but managed to score a goal against Leeds.
Diogo Dalot is expected to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back after being rotated out against Leeds, while Luke Shaw should continue at left-back in the Man United lineup.
Midfielders
Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba will comprise Manchester United’s midfield triumvirate. McTominay, who has started in each of United’s last seven games, adds steel and bite to the midfield, while Pogba is arguably their most creative player when on form.
Fernandes was United’s best player last season and although he has failed to hit the same heights in the current campaign, he remains one of the most important players in the side.
Attackers
Rangnick has a number of attacking options at his disposal. Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the Man United lineup. The Portuguese has scored just once in his last eight games, but has a phenomenal record against Atletico with 25 goals in 35 encounters.
The left wing spot is a toss-up between Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho. Sancho played against Leeds, so Rashford could get the nod for this game. Anthony Elanga could replace Jesse Lingard on the right.
