Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone has insisted that Manchester United are still a dangerous opponent despite a run of form which has left the club mid-table in the Premier League.
United were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling, 10-man Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday to make it four games without a win in the league, with just six points from six games, and growing pressure on manager Michael Carrick.
Atlético host United at the Metropolitano on Tuesday, after an opening round of matches which saw the LaLiga club beaten 2-1 by Liverpool, while United beat Sabah 4-0.
“We face an opponent that applies intense pressure in your half, closing you down quickly, and has players with speed,” Simeone said in a news conference on Monday. “Despite their recent results, including a lot of draws, they are still creating the kind of danger that they did last year. They’re a strong team.”
United qualified for the Champions League after a strong, third-placed finish in the Premier League last season, with Carrick making an impact after replacing Ruben Amorim midway through the campaign.
“Last year in the Premier League, which is the best league in the world, they had a great season,” Atlético defender Dávid Hancko said. “There are plenty of positives, even if they haven’t started well. They have great players and are undoubtedly a giant. We’ll have to play at 100% to win.”
Atlético are still waiting for star forward Julián Álvarez to impress this season, after his bid to leave the club in the summer.
Álvarez has failed to score so far, registering just one assist, against Liverpool, after an injury-hit start to 2026-27.
“Forwards with Julián’s characteristics always need goals, not just him,” Simeone said on Monday.
“Beyond his finishing, he’s a team player who links up well with others. He has many more tools in his arsenal than just scoring. He played a great second half the other day [against Alavés] and hopefully he can keep growing to reach the level where we all want to see him.”
