Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Early team news for Atalanta encounter

Monday 18 October 2021 14:00

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted at making changes for the visit of Atalanta in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The manager was upset with his side's performance in the 4-2 defeat to Leicester City at the weekend and has suggested he may need to tweak the system and get more energy into the XI.

With the Serie A side known for their attacking stance - coach Gian Piero Gasperini has drawn comparisons with Leeds United's Marcelo Bielsa for his tactical approach - it could be a high-octane encounter at Old Trafford.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is eligible after UEFA reduced his two-game suspension following a successful appeal by the club. The right-back was sent off during the defeat to Young Boys and has already missed the 2-1 win over Villarreal in the competition.

Fred and Edinson Cavani should also be available as their South American World Cup qualifying commitments meant it was not possible for them to appear at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Anthony Martial joined Raphael Varane on the sidelines after representing France on international duty but Harry Maguire returned as captain and Marcus Rashford provided a positive contribution off the bench in his first outing of the campaign, scoring our second goal of the afternoon.

There are many options open to Ole as he considers his line-up for an important tie as Atalanta are currently sitting top of Group F, with United in third, level on points with Young Boys on three. Villarreal have only a single point so far despite impressing last time out at Old Trafford.

ATALANTA TEAM NEWS

The Bergamo club won 4-1 at Empoli on Sunday, with Josip Ilicic scoring twice and Duvan Zapata taking his tally to four in six Serie A matches and becoming the first Colombian to net a century of goals in the division.

Currently unbeaten in their last 11 away games in all competitions, Atalanta look set to be without Germany international Robin Gosens, after he suffered a thigh injury against Young Boys. Hans Hateboer and Berat Djimsiti are also absent, the latter following a foot operation, and Matteo Pessina missed the weekend win and Italy's recent internationals.

Rafael Toloi did appear at Empoli but was withdrawn at half-time after struggling with a thigh problem.

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