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Manchester United handed triple personnel boost ahead of Atletico clash


Manchester United have been handed a triple personnel boost ahead of their second leg clash with Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford, as boss Ralf Rangnick revealed that all of Luke Shaw, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay were in training ahead of Tuesday's home tie.

Shaw and Fernandes both missed the 3-2 win over Tottenham after testing positive for COVID-19, and while there's a small 'question mark' over whether Shaw will be fit to start the game, both are back with the squad.

The same can be said for Scotsman Scott McTominay, who missed the victory with a small groin injury.

Will United risk change?

Fernandes, Shaw and McTominay all started the first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano, but were absent as a Ronaldo-inspired side managed to squeeze past Tottenham. Given that United were mediocre at best for much of the first leg, there are certainly selection headaches.

This is particularly clear in midfield, where solutions aren't obvious. Paul Pogba appears to do his best work without Fernandes on the pitch, and having the pair and Ronaldo on the pitch has not yielded the desired results yet this campaign.

Indeed, Manchester United only found their late equaliser when Pogba was substituted on the hour, replaced by Nemanja Matic, who has impressed in his recent outings.

At 33 years old, asking the Serbian to play two games in 4 days may be a stretch too far, but he is certainly more secure in possession than McTominay, which is something that complemented Fred well at Old Trafford against Tottenham.

There are big calls to be made ahead of welcoming Atleti to the north west.

Read more:

Manchester United vs Atlético Madrid betting tips: Champions League preview, predictions and odds

Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid live streaming: Watch UEFA Champions League last-16 second leg online

Ben Browning

Ben Browning

Football writer and analyst. Long-time writer of all things Arsenal and avid watcher of European football. Happy to discuss all things football over on Twitter.


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