Manchester United are reportedly plotting to 'spy' on Atletico Madrid forward Giuliano Simeone during their Champions League clash tonight, according to reports in Spain. The European showdown will also serve as a chance for the club to take a close look at the Argentinian attacker, with United joining Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City in the race for his services.
United's interest in Simeone
Mundo Deportivo have claimed that clubs in England have taken notice of the forward, with informal enquiries made over the conditions of a possible move. However, Atletico consider him unsellable, with four years remaining on his contract and a release clause of €500million (£422m).
On Tuesday, United will utilise their encounter with Diego Simeone's side to get a first-hand look at his son, Giuliano, according to the outlet.
Carrick's pivotal period
The trip to the Spanish capital comes during a pivotal period for Michael Carrick after failing to take advantage of their lead against 10-man Tottenham on Saturday. Bryan Mbeumo had given United the lead, and it looked like they would see out the win when Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off for violent conduct. But in stoppage-time, Dominic Solanke's deft header salvaged a point for Spurs, who were bottom of the Premier League before kick-off.
Their trip to Madrid kicks off a massive week of action before they take on Leeds United this weekend.
Carrick's response to pressure
Carrick has struggled to replicate the form from last season which saw United catapult their way into Champions League qualification following Ruben Amorim's dismissal. He said: "We expected a lot more. I knew there was going to be a period where it became stickier. That's part of it."
"It's a journey, there will have been times when it's not gone to plan for Atletico, they've had success but it hasn't all been in one direction. I understand people thinking it's a disaster but that's not in our mindset. You've got to be able to deal with it."
"The last three goals we've conceded, we could have done something about them. That can be the difference. I love this part when it's not going against you. The fans are there and we've got to give them something. We will come through it."
Summer transfer concerns
United spent over £150million in the summer, bringing in the likes of Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. However, there were reports this week that figures at Old Trafford are beginning to come to terms that they 'failed' in the transfer market.
It has been said that although Baleba was a top target, both Tielemans and Santos fell down the shortlist but became options with United missing out on the likes of Elliot Anderson, who moved to Man City, Matheus Fernandes and Aurelien Tchouameni.
