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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Omar Garrick

Marcus Rashford handed golden opportunity to cement his place in Manchester United's new system

Manchester United are looking to make it back-to-back wins as they face Atalanta in the Champions League.

The two teams meet once again after a pulsating clash at Old Trafford where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men came from two goals down to win 3-2.

United are without Victor Lindelof after the Sweden international suffered a knock in training, though Solskjaer has stuck with the 3-5-2 system which saw his side earn a much-needed three points at Tottenham on Saturday, with Paul Pogba named in the starting XI after he missed the weekend win through suspension.

Atalanta are still without Germany international Robin Gosens who is sidelined with a muscle injury, while Hans Hateboer, Rafael Toloi and Matteo Pessina are also unavailable.

Here are the two teams:

Atalanta: Musso; De Roon, Demiral, Palomino; Zappacosta, Freuler, Koopmeiners, Maehle; Ilicic, Pasalic, Zapata

Manchester United: De Gea; Varane, Maguire, Bailly; Wan-Bissaka, Pogba, McTominay, Fernandes, Shaw; Rashford, Ronaldo

Will Rashford shine alongside Ronaldo?

I said before this game that Marcus Rashford needs to try to build a relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo and he's been given the chance. Edinson Cavani was superb against Tottenham and Rashford needs to prove he can perform just as well alongside the Portuguese talisman.

Rashford was likely picked over Mason Greenwood because of his relentless pressing and, as we saw against Spurs with Cavani, that could be key to United's new system.

Zapata a threat to Bailly

It's going to be an interesting game for United's defenders tonight. They will be well aware of the qualities Atalanta possess in the final third and will have to be at their best to secure the win.

One individual who I think could be a real handful is Colombian forward Duvan Zapata. The 30-year-old has scored in Atalanta's last two league matches and was a real threat when he came on in the reverse fixture. He almost scored at Old Trafford after bullying Lindelof and Eric Bailly needs to be at his best to keep Zapata quiet.

Midfield pivot of Pogba and McTominay

Although the decision to stick with a back three is a big talking point, I think an interesting choice is the midfield pivot of Pogba and Scott McTominay.

I know a lot of supporters have been calling out for this and the formation may actually benefit them both. We know all about their attacking qualities but they both struggle defensively at times. Let's see if they can impress alongside each other.

What do you think of the starting line-up? Follow our United On My Mind writer Omar Garrick on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts on the Atalanta match in the comments section below.

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