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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Stephen Killen

Diego Forlan tells Manchester United where they exploit Atletico Madrid weakness

Manchester United cult hero Diego Forlan believes the Reds' attacking threat could be an avenue that they can exploit against Atletico Madrid.

The Uruguayan's two former clubs go head-to-head tonight (Wednesday) in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash.

It will be just the third time the two teams have faced off but both have had similar disappointing league campaigns, and Forlan believes United can trouble Diego Simeone's side.

" Manchester [United] have players who have a lot of change of pace, a lot of speed and who like one on one," Forlan told Marca, via Mirror.

"Atletico Madrid are not at their best at the moment, so they are going to be wary of those counter-attacks.

"If it comes to a game where Manchester find that space and those long runs, Atletico could have a hard time.

"Atletico will have to keep their lines together to have a good chance of winning the game. It’s a nice game of chess for both coaches."

Simeone's side scraped into the knockout rounds but have found themselves failing in their title defence as they sit fifth, level on points with Barcelona in fourth. Whereas United's topsy-turvy season continued as they spoilt Leeds' afternoon on Sunday, despite a nervy start to the second half.

It will be the third time that Atletico have faced an English side in this season's competition as they were beaten by Liverpool in the group stages.

They will be hoping their ill-discipline doesn't continue after Antoine Griezmann and Felipe were sent off in the home and away meetings.

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