Atlético de Madrid is already preparing its match against Manchester United, which will take place next Tuesday, October 13 at the Metropolitano. The duel comes at a time of uncertainty for the English club, which is having the worst start to a season in forty years, adding only six points after six games and without having achieved a victory in the Premier League.
The decline in morale was evident in the 1-1 draw at the weekend against Tottenham Hotspur, a result that, although it gave the visitor a victory, left Manchester United in third-to-last position in the table with just three points out of a possible eighteen and no wins at home. The defeat also caused club figures, such as Gary Neville, to express concern about the team's performance.
Neville, former captain of the “Red Devils”, directly criticized the team's midfield, pointing out Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo as those responsible for the lack of dynamism and connection. “I think we've seen enough of Tielemans and Mainoo,” he said, adding that “it's not a dynamic enough midfield to play for this Premier League club.” The former international highlighted that, although both players are good individually, "sometimes they just don't fit together or don't complement each other well."
In the face of growing pressure from fans and media criticism, Neville stressed the need for coach Michael Carrick to immediately address the team's tactical and physical shortcomings ahead of the upcoming games against Atlético Madrid and Leeds United. “Something has to be done in there, and the rest have to wake up because they are going to face Diego Simeone's Atlético de Madrid at Elland Road,” he said. "If they are not completely well mentally and physically, it will be noticeable. They have a couple of days to recover, regain strength and move on, because if they don't, it will be a worrying few weeks."
Manchester United, for their part, will have to have a fit squad with the necessary cohesion to face Atlético, who is in good shape under the direction of Simeone. With the match scheduled for October 13, both teams will have to overcome their internal difficulties and take advantage of the opportunities the match offers to reorient their campaigns.