Manchester United are back in action tonight as they make the trip to Atalanta for the first time, with their only previous meeting being that sensational turnaround victory at Old Trafford two weeks ago.
That win, which put Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his side top of their Champions League group, was United’s second of the campaign and they will look to cement their place in the knockout phase by completing the double against Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.
The 3-0 victory over Tottenham last weekend felt like a defining game for Solskjaer and the Norwegian manager opted for a change in formation, with both Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo starting together for the first time.
The new three-at-the-back formation featured all three of Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof but the latter will miss tonight’s game through injury – although it’s not believed to be serious.
Paul Pogba is welcomed back into the side despite currently serving a three-match domestic ban, whilst Ronaldo leads the line once again. The 36-year-old has scored in all three of his Champions League appearances so far this season.
Presenting your United starting XI to face Atalanta! 🇮🇹#MUFC | #UCL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 2, 2021
Full Manchester United XI: De Gea – Varane, Maguire, Bailly – Wan-Bissaka, Pogba, McTominay, Shaw – Bruno – Ronaldo, Rashford
Read more: (Video) Jamie Carragher hails ‘outstanding’ Manchester United after Tottenham win
Stretty News’ Verdict
With a horrendous run of form now behind them, Solskjaer will want to inject some life into his side and after that comfortable victory over Tottenham, making wholesale changes could be the wrong move.
Instead, opting for a similar side could be the way forward – even if it means some of the stars on the bench will have to watch from the sidelines for a while. Mason Greenwood has enjoyed his best start to a season whilst Jadon Sancho will have to wait for his breakthrough.
Marcus Rashford’s fine form since returning from injury has been rewarded as he takes a place next to Ronaldo, with Cavani handed a rest ahead of Saturday’s Manchester derby.
