Manchester United vs Atalanta Predictions & Tips

Manchester United suffered yet another setback at the weekend, with an abject display resulting in a 4-2 loss at a Leicester side who haven’t got going themselves this season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United look devoid of fight and ideas, a recipe for a sacking at most clubs.

Of course, the United boss has his defenders and the club seem committed to him – but it’s hard to seriously claim that United’s fortunes will turn. Cristiano Ronaldo was their big banner signing but they haven’t stepped up going forward with him in the side and alarming gaps remain in their side. The pressure is certainly on Solskajer heading into this one.

United’s European struggles

To make matters worse for the hosts, they have a dire record in Europe’s top tournament. Manchester United have lost 58% of their Champions League games under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (7/12). That’s the worst record of many manager who has led an English team in 10+ games in the competition.

United did get a win in their last game in Europe, but they trailed 1-0 at home to Villarreal before late heroics from Ronaldo bailed them out after another ordinary display. The Red Devils come into this game having won just once in their last four home games (L2) and it’s hard to have high hopes for them this week.

Atalanta’s road warriors

United’s stars may be struggling, but Atalanta continue to exceed expectations with a middling Serie A budget. La Dea sit sixth in the table after continuing an unbeaten away start (W3 D2) with a 4-1 win at Empoli at the weekend.

Atalanta have only lost one of their last seven away games in the Champions League (a last 16 defeat Real Madrid in March), winning five and drawing the other. The Italian side have scored 17 goals across this run of seven away trips, at an average of 2.4 per game.

On top of that, Atalanta have won three of their six UEFA European matches against English opponents (D1 L2). That includes a win at Anfield last season when they had a 100% record away in the group stage. Given that, I’m siding with the visitors on the double chance market and I’m going with a 2-1 win for the Serie A side as my correct score prediction.

Atalanta’s modest budget hasn’t stopped them putting together the best attacking force in Italy, with their front three proving to be a real threat again this season, Midfielder Josip Ilicic returned from scoring three goals during the international break by scoring twice at the weekend. The midfielder has scored in wins at Anfield and the Mestalla and I’m backing him to notch here.