Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has warned Manchester United not to become over-reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo after the 36-year-old bailed the Reds out of their last two Champions League matches and had a strong influence in the win over Spurs.
It was an important three points, one that not only ended a spell of four Premier League games without a win but ended Nuno Espirito Santo's short stint in North London.
For the match, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted for a 3-4-1-2, a formation that offered greater defensive stability - to what was seen in recent matches - helping them pick up their first clean sheet since the end of August and a structure Sutton has admitted he would be "amazed" if they scrap.
Atalanta pose a different threat but one United are used to after falling two goals behind in their first meeting at Old Trafford, last month.
But for Sutton, he insists that despite the threat of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, they can't always rely on their "golden boy" and with Edinson Cavani's display at the weekend can benefit Ronaldo with the help of Marcus Rashford too should they need it.
"Late winners from your golden boy are good but they cannot always rely on Ronaldo to keep them in the Champions League. They have to do it together, as a team," he wrote in his Daily Mail column.
"Cristiano Ronaldo may not press but he is pretty good at sprinting when there is a breakaway which needs burying, and Edinson Cavani is a workhorse. The strike partnership, with a combined age of 70, worked to perfection against Tottenham, although Marcus Rashford could easily substitute in for Cavani if needed."
Liverpool's 5-0 rout at Old Trafford last weekend left a lot of things to be desired for Solskjaer and highlighted worrying questions within his defensive and pressing structure.
However, they found something of a remedy against an underperforming Tottenham where they reduced them to not having a single shot on target.
The former Blackburn striker added: "I would be amazed if Solskjaer drops the 3-4-1-2 for Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday, or for City in the Premier League on Saturday. These are two sides who will take the game to United. Atalanta were the top scorers in Serie A last season and City are, well, City.
"United can set out their stall, like they did against Tottenham, and look to do damage on the counter. They have got the players to play that way.
"We know how Solskjaer loves to dish out history lessons whenever he is talking to the media — forever talking about their 'DNA' and 'identity' and how a club like United should be attacking opponents at will. But it is when United are the ones being attacked that they can seem more suited to winning a game of football.
"There will still be great scrutiny on Solskjaer and his side on Tuesday. One win over a lacklustre Tottenham side does not get you off the hook.
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