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#3 Manchester United's backline to struggle without Raphael Varane
Manchester United have won one and lost their other match in the UEFA Champions League this season. A win against Atalanta is crucial, as it would allow them some momentum going into the second phase of the group stage fixtures.
Unfortunately, Manchester United will be without the expertise of four-time UEFA Champions League winner Raphael Varane on Wednesday night and might struggle heavily without the Frenchman.
The Manchester United centre-back has not recovered from the groin injury he suffered in the UEFA Nations League final against Spain and will miss the Atalanta clash. Victor Lindelof is set to come in for Varane, hoping to bring stability to the Red Devils' backline.
His potential partner Harry Maguire cut a frustrating figure in the defeat at Leicester City and might be lacking the confidence to take on Atalanta. Manchester United will need something special to keep out the Italian outfit and we are not sure if they can manage it without Raphael Varane.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo to open the scoring for Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the show in Manchester United’s last UEFA Champions League outing. Against a familiar opponent, Villarreal, the former Real Madrid man struck in stoppage-time to book Manchester United’s first UEFA Champions League win in 2021-22.
The 36-year-old Portugal captain could not produce the goods in the Premier League at Leicester City, but he could prove to be decisive against Atalanta.
Atalanta have a habit of leaving pockets of space in the back, which could allow Ronaldo to slide into them at will. His pace could also help during transitions and allow Manchester United to convert from the counter-attack.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be the focal point of Red Devils' attack against Atalanta and we expect him to make himself useful early in the game.
#1 Manchester United to edge out Atalanta in a closely-contested affair
Manchester United are yet to find their bearings while Atalanta are beaming with confidence following an impressive win in Serie A. Yet, for Wednesday’s clash, we cannot help but back the Red Devils. Manchester United have always responded when their backs are up against the wall and we expect something similar in the UEFA Champions League this week.
Table-toppers Atalanta could very well turn the tables and bag maximum points from their trip to Old Trafford, but it will not be straightforward. United have too much quality to crash out of the group stage of the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League. We expect them to start turning their fortunes around from the third matchday itself.
