Manchester United head to the Spanish capital in search of a morale-boosting Champions League victory against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, but their trip is also a harsh reminder of the stability they have lacked since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. In the years since Ferguson left, United have gone through a series of slumps under seven permanent managers, as well as other caretakers and interims, and failed to win a single Premier League title. Diego Simeone has coached Atletico since December 2011, over a year before United’s greatest ever manager retired in May 2013, after 26 trophy-laden years at the helm.
Even Atletico’s stadium is a reminder of their differences. The Rojiblancos have played in the Champions League in every season since 2013-14, reaching the final twice and the semi-finals on two further occasions. The modern Metropolitano will host the Champions League final in June, having already staged the 2019 showpiece, won by United’s rivals Liverpool, while Manchester United’s Old Trafford was not selected as a venue for Euro 2028.
“He came on with enthusiasm, eager to do well and help the team. He finished the match well. Michael Carrick’s United, meanwhile, are struggling to find the same consistency, sitting 13th in the Premier League and enduring their worst start to a domestic campaign since 1986/87. Man United hammered Azerbaijani side Sabah 4-0 in their Champions League opener but the visit to the Metropolitano offers a vastly different proposition, against a team with wind in their sails and a culture of grit shaped over more than a decade.
“I thought Julian looked good today,” said Simeone.
Even without Alvarez playing a key role, Simeone’s side are second in La Liga and beat Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid before the recent international break.
