Manchester United’s Worst League Start in 40 Years
Let us not sugarcoat it. United have taken six points from six Premier League games, winning only once, and sit in the bottom half of the table. That is their worst league start in four decades. The latest sting came on Saturday, when they surrendered a late lead against ten-man Tottenham and drew 1-1 at Old Trafford. Carrick insists the last three league goals conceded were all avoidable and that the margins are thin.
The bright spot is Europe. United hammered Sabah 4-0 on matchday one, and Carrick will hope that confidence travels to Spain.
Atletico Madrid Are in Rampant Form
Diego Simeone’s men are flying. Atletico sit second in La Liga, beat Real Madrid 2-1 in their latest outing and put four past Osasuna. They have won nine of their last 11 Champions League league-phase matches at home. They did lose at Liverpool on matchday one, so expect a hungry, high-pressing side.
Simeone has a fully fit squad. Alejandro Grimaldo already has three goals and an assist from left-back. Cristian Romero joined from Spurs this summer, and Lee Kang-in has impressed since arriving from PSG. Julian Alvarez has yet to score this season, though Simeone says he offers far more than goals.
United Team News: Shaw and Mainoo Out
Carrick has confirmed that Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo will miss the game after picking up knocks against Tottenham. Benjamin Sesko is also sidelined with a recurrence of his shin injury. That puts extra weight on Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo. Fernandes leads United with four goals this season, and Carrick has hinted he was playing through something recently.
History and Key Battles
This is only the fifth meeting between the clubs and the third in the Champions League. Atletico knocked United out in 2022 with a 1-1 draw in Madrid and a 1-0 win at Old Trafford. United did win a pre-season friendly 2-1 in August, with Mbeumo scoring twice, but friendlies prove very little.
Watch the flanks. Giuliano Simeone and Alex Baena are expected to run at United’s full-backs, with Grimaldo a constant threat from set pieces. With Shaw missing, United’s defensive shape will be tested early. ats
Prediction: Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United
Some writers think a draw would be a great result for United. I believe this United side has the fight to score, but Atletico at the Metropolitano is a different beast. Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Manchester United.
Keep the faith, United fans. Seasons turn on nights like this, and Carrick needs one badly. Bookmark this page for full reaction after the final whistle.
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