Man United vs Atletico Madrid is a rather interesting encounter, neither side have enjoyed a season pursuant to their ability, neither are currently in an overly positive space and both will know that success in this tournament could change it all!
I’ve once again included my picks for the three other fixtures happening around Europe – so feel free to combine them for a stocky little midweek multiple.
UEFA Champions League: Round of 16
Wednesday 23 February
Estadio Wanda Metropolitano
22:00
To Win
Atletico Madrid 21/20 | Draw 26/10 | Man United 24/10
Atletico Madrid
The prevailing narrative around this fixture continues to suggest that both great clubs are in similar positions. Diego Simeone’s men have had to grind out uncomfortable victories against clubs like Getafe, and their performances continue to be chaotic and visibly untoward anything you would expect of the Spanish giants.
Atleti’s win percentage from their last 22 fixtures are awkwardly flirting around the 40% mark. However, it is their inability to keep clean sheets that has been most worrying and furthest from everything that make Atletico ‘Atleti’. This is a club who have built their continental and domestic success on their ability to shut the back door and then go on a physical crusade in front of goal.
That result against Getafe (and yes, I know I’m harping on it now) stands out! Mario Hermoso was required to score a winner deep into injury-time to secure a scrappy and hard-fought victory against a side who haven’t won a fixture away from in this La Liga season.
Now whilst I agree, this isn’t an Atletico Madrid side in the form of its life…they are still able to remain competitive in La Liga and become one of ‘those’ clubs on European nights. I’m incredibly intrigued to see how they go about dealing with this United side. It’s not a Man United purring with confidence, and the visitors will also have weapons of mass destruction upfront, they have not been able to consistently provide a platform to get the ball into their attacking options and hurt opposition for large portions of the game.
United have consistently been criticized for a lack of work rate and defensive intent off the ball. Against Atletico, they will come up against a side to whom aggressive and uncomfortable work is itself the essence of football.
Manchester United
United should have a fully fit squad available for this game. Ralf Rangnick has communicated his apparent discontent with his side’s work rate – despite starting games in a much livelier manner!
I suppose Man United could argue that decisions have at times gone against them, and they’ve been somewhat unlucky…but they should be beating the league’s bottom-placed teams anyway.
The focal point which has been shared by managers, pundits and fans alike have been the fact that we are yet to see a pivotal performance under the German boss. There has been no performance which would indicate (unequivocally) the improvement the Red Devils have achieved. Should United achieve that performance, they would ideally use it as a catalyst – pointing to it and using it to galvanize the squad around a level that is expected of that great club.
Of course, the Champions League is the ultimate ‘table of the Kings’. It is the stage upon which you can turn your season around and make enormous strides toward a taste of glory once more. The only concern is, the reason it can do such incredible things for your season is simply because it holds the very best footballing teams Europe can offer!
Atletico Madrid are not in a good space; they aren’t the powerhouse they once were, but this will certainly not be one way traffic. The hosts have players who can hurt you from anywhere on the pitch, and a manager who has mastered the craft of ‘buy-in’. those players will run through a brick wall for Cholo.
Prediction: Halftime: Manchester United (5/2)
As ridiculous as this might sound, United have a squad that belongs in the Champions League. In fact, I would go as far as to suggest that they have one of the best squads in the Champions League on paper. Yes, yes, I know that football isn’t played on parchment – but the ability to turn up on a day and perform remains prevalent at United.
They have begun to make it a habit (starting quickly), and now it’s the only element of their game worth putting our hard-earned money on. Back United to go into the break ahead.
If you are looking at putting together a multiple of sorts; Chelsea at 7/20, Villarreal on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 4/10 and Ajax at 21/20 are my selections!
