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#3 Manchester United are on a much better run than Atletico Madrid
Manchester United picked up back-to-back wins in their latest Premier League outings. They beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 before thumping rivals Leeds United 4-2 away from home this past weekend.
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The Red Devils are in fact unbeaten in normal time in their last nine matches across all competitions. That is a run that stretches all the way back to January 11. Ralf Rangnick has definitely helped make this Manchester United side less leaky.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are navigating one of their worst seasons in recent times. They have lost four of their last seven matches across all competitions. Jan Oblak has been uncharacteristically poor between the sticks and the Atletico Madrid defence has looked out of sorts as well.
#2 Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho and Paul Pogba's form
Paul Pogba has improved this Manchester United side massively since returning from a hamstring injury. They had missed his creativity, ball-retention and playmaking abilities in the center of the park. Since making his comeback in early February after a three-month layoff, the Frenchman has showcased his full range of tricks.
Jadon Sancho has hit his stride at Manchester United and has been their best attacker in recent weeks. The 21-year-old picked up two assists as Manchester United beat Leeds United 4-2 at Elland Road on Sunday.
Sancho's direct running, ability to beat defenders and make mature decisions in the final third has added a new dimension to the United attack. Bruno Fernandes continues to be a talismanic presence in and around the final third for Manchester United.
The Portuguese international turned in match-winning performances against Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds United. He scored a goal each in both games.
With Pogba and Sancho sharing the load of creativity, Fernandes has the freedom to get into areas where he can affect the game more directly. That's something Diego Simeone will desperately need to take care of.
#1 The Cristiano Ronaldo factor
Manchester United's trump card heading into the game is Cristiano Ronaldo. 'Mr. Champions League' has worked his magic in Europe this season and is the Red Devils' top scorer in the competition. He has six goals in five appearances in the competition.
Nearly all of those goals came at extremely crucial junctures and it is a testament to Ronaldo's ability to come clutch when his team needs him the most. The Portuguese international is also up against familiar foes here in Atletico Madrid.
In 35 appearances against Atletico Madrid across all competitions in his career, Ronaldo has scored 25 goals and provided nine assists. He enjoys playing against them and with so many in-form players around him, he should be able to produce a great performance here.
