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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
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Steven Railston

Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Matic to start - Manchester United predicted line up vs Atletico Madrid

Manchester United have the opportunity to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League this week.

United take on Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16 second leg in the Champions League after drawing 1-1 with Diego Simeone's side in the reverse fixture. Anthony Elanga scored from the substitute bench to salvage a draw for United in that match.

United were humiliated in the Manchester derby but responded with a 3-2 win over Tottenham on Saturday evening. Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick sealed the three points and he'll be hoping to get on the scoresheet again versus his favourite opponent on Tuesday night, as Ronald has scored 25 goals in 36 appearances throughout his career against Atletico.

ALSO READ: Manchester United give update on Bruno Fernandes fitness ahead of Atletico Madrid fixture.

David de Gea is a former Atletico player and he looked fazed by the occasion at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. Regardless, he'll obviously start in between the sticks here. Dean Henderson will consider his options away from United this summer.

Diogo Dalot returned to United's starting line up against Tottenham at the weekend, however, while Dalot cleared the ball off the line to prevent a Spurs goal, he didn't have the strongest of games, so Aaron Wan-Bissaka might start instead.

Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire will start in the centre of defence but Ralf Rangnick has a decision to make at left-back.

Shaw tested positive for Covid-19 and was unavailable for the Tottenham match. Alex Telles started instead, but Shaw has returned to training and Rangnick might prefer to restore the England international to the starting XI for this important match.

Nemanja Matic made a significant impact on the game's momentum in the first leg in the Spanish capital and he'll likely start again here to provide the back four with protection. Fred and Bruno Fernandes should make up the remainder of the three.

Fred was outstanding on Saturday and Rangnick will be hoping the midfielder delivers a similar performance. Bruno Fernandes was forced to miss the match against Tottenham due to Covid-19 and but he's available for Atletico's visit.

Marcus Rashford failed to take his chance - that has happened too often this season - at home to Tottenham and Anthony Elanga can start down the right channel with Jadon Sancho, who has stood out in recent weeks, down the opposite side.

Ronaldo is on a high after his hat-trick and he's a certain starter - that almost goes without saying.

Predicted United XI: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw, Matic, Fred, Fernandes, Elanga, Ronaldo, Sancho.

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