Simeone warns Man United are ‘very aggressive’ ahead of Atletico Madrid clash

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has warned that Manchester United will pose a difficult challenge ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League encounter at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. According to Sports Mole, Simeone dismissed suggestions that United would be easy opponents despite their disappointing start to the season under Michael Carrick.

“They apply a lot of pressure in the opposition’s half. They’re very aggressive, play with great intensity, make clever runs to buy time in the first phase of pressing and have quick players,” Simeone told reporters during Monday’s press conference. Atletico head into the fixture on a four-match winning streak, while United have managed just two victories in eight games across all competitions.

Simeone stressed the importance of maintaining defensive and attacking balance, adding that his team must manage its energy throughout the contest. United will be without Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu, while Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw remain fitness concerns. Atletico, meanwhile, are expected to have a fully fit squad available.