May 20, 2024

Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has a number of big decisions to make heading into Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 first leg against Atletico Madrid.

Edinson Cavani (groin) and Eric Bailly (ankle) could be back in the squad, but Mason Greenwood (club suspension) is out, while Tom Heaton is unlikely to be involved due to a groin issue.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof both started Sunday’s 4-2 win over Leeds United in the Premier League, but the pair could drop out of the XI for this match, with Diogo Dalot and Raphael Varane expected to start alongside Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.

Fred scored off the bench against Leeds and is in contention to start, but Paul Pogba has impressed since his return from injury, so the Frenchman could feature alongside Scott McTominay in the middle.

Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo are certain starters for the visitors, while Jadon Sancho, who provided two assists on Sunday at Elland Road, will play off the left.

Marcus Rashford did not feature at the weekend and is in contention to return off the right, but Rangnick could decide to use Anthony Elanga from that area of the field, with the youngster, who scored against Leeds, bringing work-rate and defensive stability to the front three.

Cavani could also be an option in the final third, while Alex Telles is pushing to return at left-back, but Shaw’s strong attacking display at the weekend should see the English retain his spot in the side.

Manchester United possible starting lineup: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Pogba; Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo

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