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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
James Findlater

Five things spotted in Manchester United training as Atletico Madrid preparations continue

Manchester United have made their way over to Spain as they prepare for their Champions League encounter with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

United will be looking to claim an advantage in the first-leg of their last-16 tie against the La Liga champions as they aim for a quarter-final spot.

Before jumping on the plane there was still time for United’s players to be put through their paces in training at Carrington, with pictures showing the squad making their final preparations before heading to the Spanish capital.

Here are five things we spotted from United’s final training session.

Bailly’s back

Paul Pogba and Eric Bailly in training for Manchester United (Getty Images)

Eric Bailly hasn’t been involved for United since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast.

The defender had been tipped to be involved in the squad against Leeds but was again left out at Elland Road.

But, having been pictured in training ahead of Wednesday’s clash in Madrid, the 27-year-old has been confirmed in the travelling squad and could be set for his first United appearance since December.

Ronaldo all smiles

Cristiano Ronaldo is all smiles in training (Getty Images)

Yet more rumours have been circulating about a split in the United dressing room, with recent reports claiming Harry Maguire isn’t seeing eye to eye with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Plenty of players have come out to deny the claims over the past few days and having been pictured laughing and smiling during training, it seems Ronaldo isn’t letting the latest rumours get to him.

Varane ready to return

Raphael Varane and Fred in training for Manchester United (Getty Images)

Raphael Varane could be in line to return to the starting line-up in Madrid on Wednesday, having been named on the bench at Leeds.

The France international missed the win over Brighton with a stomach bug and made just a brief cameo at Elland Road on Sunday.

He was showing no ill effects in training on Tuesday suggesting he might be ready to return against Atletico.

Fred raring to start

Fred pictured in training at Carrington (Getty Images)

Having made a crucial impact from the bench on Sunday, Fred will be itching to be back in the starting XI on Wednesday.

The midfielder was pictured getting ready in anticipation as he eyes up a return to the line-up in Spain, and he certainly didn’t do his hopes any harm with his goal at the weekend.

Rashford with a point to prove

Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford in training for Manchester United (Getty Images)

With Jesse Lingard handed a surprise start against Leeds on Sunday, Marcus Rashford faces a fight to win back his place in the side.

The England international’s form has been disappointing this season and he has faced calls to be dropped by Rangnick.

He was pictured alongside his captain as he tries to earn his place back in the side in the Champions League this week, and he'll be hoping to prove his doubters wrong.

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