Connect with us

Manchester United

Champions League: Predicted Manchester United line-up (3-4-1-2) vs Atalanta

Manchester United travel to Bergamo for Tuesday’s Champions League group stage clash against Atalanta.

The Red Devils recently ended a four-match winless league run with a terrific 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on the road.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted to field a three-man central defence in a 3-4-1-2 formation, which could be the way forward for the club.

The United boss has a fully fit squad to choose from. Paul Pogba is only suspended domestically. He still has a two-game ban to serve.

Formation: 3-4-1-2

Predicted Line-up:

David de Gea has had a superb campaign between the sticks for United, and he has answered plenty of critics with his consistent displays.

The Spain international has played a crucial part in the European triumphs over Villarreal and Atalanta with important saves.

He singlehandedly kept them in the game against the former before Cristiano Ronaldo’s late winner. He is expected to start in goal ahead of Dean Henderson.

No changes are expected in the backline. Eric Bailly has cut a frustrated figure on the bench, and the Ivorian may have to settle for a similar role.

Solskjaer is unlikely to tinker with the backline after their clean sheet at Spurs.

Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire will make up the central defence, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw occupying the wing-back positions once more.

Pogba is available for selection after missing the Spurs game due to his sending off against Liverpool.

He has started off the bench in his last two appearances, and it won’t come as a surprise if that remains the case.

Scott McTominay and Fred have been the regular lieutenants for Solskjaer in midfield.

The duo produced a strong display at the weekend, with Solskjaer deeming McTominay as his man of the match by a mile. The pair are widely expected to start.

Further forward, Bruno Fernandes is an obvious starter from the number 10 spot.

There could be a solitary change up front with Marcus Rashford coming in to replace Edinson Cavani.

The Englishman has been in fine form since his return from shoulder surgery.

He has netted three goals in his four appearances across all competitions this season.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be his strike partner. The Portuguese is almost 37-years-old, but he has shown no signs of slowing down.

He opened the scoring against Spurs with a sublime volley across Hugo Lloris.

The Portuguese has been vital for the Red Devils in the Champions League, scoring late winners against Villarreal and Atalanta that sees them top of Group F with a two-point advantage.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com.

Read: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer picks his man of the match after Manchester United’s win at Tottenham Hotspur.

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

More in Manchester United