Manchester United will travel to Oslo to take on Atletico Madrid in a preseason friendly on Saturday.
The Red Devils have been in good form since Erik ten Hag took charge in the summer. The Dutch has overseen a complete change of philosophy as he has emphasised more on the attack in the four games United have been involved so far.
A more synchronised gameplay alongside some excellent moves have been on display and the likes of Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial have been pretty impressive in the preseason so far.
Cristiano Ronaldo hasn’t been involved in any games so far as the Portuguese hasn’t made up his mind over his future. The forward has put in a request to let him leave as he wants to compete in the Champions League.
United are rejecting any advances towards Ronaldo as they view him as an integral part of ten Hag’s plans. Ronaldo was United’s top scorer last season in the Premier League and the forward is likely to be involved more heavily this time.
The Red Devils welcomed Tyrell Malacia , Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez at the Old Trafford in the summer so far but a midfielder has been the new manager’s priority with Frenkie de Jong being the preferred choice.
United defeated Liverpool 4-0 in Bangkok followed by two victories over Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace in Melbourne. The Red Devils drew 2-2 with Aston Villa in the last match and played a closed door friendly with Wrexham at the Carrington training ground.
Both Eriksen and Martinez took part in the game while Raphael Varane also got some much needed game time.
Atletico Madrid haven’t had much preparation as they played just one friendly so far. They defeated Numancia 4-0 to kick off their preseason in style and will be looking to make it count when they face the Red Devils.
The two met in the Champions League last season with the Spanish giants getting the better of the English outfit in a two legged affair. They have already roped in Axel Witsel, Nahuel Molina and Samuel Lino and will be looking for more reinforcements to strengthen their side.
A move for Cristiano Ronaldo looked to be in the offing but the club president made it clear they can’t afford the Portuguese as of now.
Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid
Date: 30th July 2022
Time: 5:15 PM IST
Venue: Ulleval Stadion
Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid
Team News
Manchester United
Manchester United are scheduled to play two back to back matches against Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano so the manager might make his intentions clear tomorrow.
Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to feature but both Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez should be in line to get some minutes on the pitch. Scott McTominay might make a return to the midfield.
Atletico Madrid
Both Mario Hermoso and Joao Felix are not going to make it in time for this match. The likes of Antoine Griezmann, Marcos Llorente and Koke could play in this game.
Manchester United Possible Lineup
De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Malacia; McTominay, Fred; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
Atletico Madrid Possible Lineup
Oblak; Wass, Gimenez, Savic, Lodi; Llorente, Koke, Witsel, Carrasco; Griezmann, Correa
Predictions
Manchester United have been in good shape and they will have a definite edge over their Spanish opponent.
Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid Fantasy XI No. 1
De Gea; Varane, Maguire, Gimenez; Fred, Llorente, Koke, Bruno; Martial, Sancho, Griezmann
Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid Fantasy XI No. 2
De Gea; Varane, Maguire, Gimenez, Wass; Fred, Koke, Bruno; Martial, Sancho, Griezmann