Manchester United travel to Spain for a difficult Champions League encounter against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, October 13, with Michael Carrick hoping his side can rediscover their winning touch.
The Manchester United predicted XI vs Atlético Madrid could feature several attacking players as Carrick searches for a response following a disappointing run of results.
United enter the contest without a victory in their previous four matches, having drawn 1-1 against Tottenham and Fulham before suffering defeats against Brighton and Manchester City.
Their recent 4-0 victory over Sabah FK offered some encouragement, although Atlético Madrid will present a considerably tougher challenge at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
Meanwhile, Carrick faces several injury concerns, with Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu and Tom Heaton currently unavailable.
Benjamin Šeško also faces uncertainty because of a shin injury, potentially forcing Carrick to reconsider his attacking options.
Manchester United predicted XI vs Atlético Madrid: Carrick’s defensive choices
Senne Lammens should retain his position between the posts, particularly with United needing greater defensive stability against Diego Simeone’s side.
Noussair Mazraoui could start at right-back, while Diogo Dalot takes the opposite flank to provide experience and attacking support.
With De Ligt sidelined through a back injury, Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martínez appear the strongest central defensive partnership available.
Yoro’s recovery pace could prove valuable against Atlético’s quick attackers, while Martínez offers composure when United attempt to build possession from defence.
Carrick could select Youri Tielemans alongside Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, giving United a combination of passing quality, technical ability and defensive awareness.
Mainoo must remain disciplined when Atlético attack through central areas, particularly because Tielemans prefers influencing possession further forward.
Marcus Rashford could lead Manchester United’s attack
Bruno Fernandes should operate as the central attacking midfielder, with Bryan Mbeumo occupying the right flank and Matheus Cunha starting from the left.
Fernandes will carry considerable creative responsibility, especially against an Atlético defence that traditionally restricts space between the lines.
Meanwhile, Mbeumo’s direct running and Cunha’s movement could create opportunities whenever United recover possession and launch quick counterattacks.
Marcus Rashford represents an interesting option through the middle, particularly if Šeško cannot recover before Tuesday’s encounter.
Although Viktor Gyökeres offers another potential attacking choice, Rashford’s pace could trouble Atlético’s defensive line.
Our Manchester United predicted XI vs Atlético Madrid therefore favours Rashford as the lone striker, with Fernandes supplying passes behind the opposition defence.
Manchester United predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Senne Lammens; Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martínez, Diogo Dalot; Youri Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo; Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha; Marcus Rashford.
