Fred could come in for Paul Pogba while Raphael Varane and Marcus Rashford could start when Manchester United take on Atletico Madrid.
Manchester United will square off against La Liga champions Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday night.
Heading into this blockbuster contest, Manchester United have no fresh injury concerns. But they will once again be without Edinson Cavani, who is struggling with a groin injury, while third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton will also be unavailable.
Providing an update on Cavani’s injury in his presse conference, interim manager Ralf Rangnick said, “Edi will not make the trip. He didn’t train and hasn’t been training for a couple of weeks. He has problems with his groin and, as long as he doesn’t feel ready to fully sprint, it doesn’t make sense to train him.”
Rangnick could decide to make a few changes to the side that defeated Leeds United in the Premier League over the weekend. No changes are expected in goal, though, with David de Gea likely to start against his former club on his return to Spain.
Harry Maguire should hold on to his place at the heart of the defence, but former Real Madrid man, Raphael Varane, should pair up alongside him ahead of Victor Lindelof. There could be changes in both full-back slots on Wednesday, with Diogo Dalot and Alex Telles coming in for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw.
Paul Pogba has looked good since returning from his injury. He had a solid game against Leeds United, but Fred’s impact coming off the bench could earn the Brazilian a starting berth against Atletico Madrid. Scott McTominay has been preferred in the No. 6 role by Rangnick, while Bruno Fernandes should take up the third midfield slot and provide the creative thrust.
Jadon Sancho is finally starting to hit his stride after a slow start to life at Manchester United. He should hold on to his spot on the left flank, but there could be a change on the right wing, where Marcus Rashford could get the nod over Jesse Lingard and Anthony Elanga. Spearheading the attack for the Red Devils should be Atletico Madrid’s old nemesis, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Manchester United Predicted XI: De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Telles, Fernandes, McTominay, Fred, Rashford, Ronaldo, Sancho.
