Manchester United are reportedly planning to use their Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid to 'spy' on forward Giuliano Simeone, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo. The Red Devils face the La Liga side in the Spanish capital on Tuesday evening.
The report claims United intend to exploit the European fixture as an opportunity to assess the player up close, with Premier League clubs having registered their interest in the Argentinian attacker. United are said to have joined Tottenham and Manchester City in pursuing his signature, with clubs from London and Manchester allegedly making preliminary enquiries regarding the terms of a potential transfer.
Atletico consider Simeone untouchable
However, Atletico view Simeone as untouchable, given he has four years left on his contract and a release clause of €500million (£422m). The outlet states United will seize their meeting with Diego Simeone's team to gain first-hand insight into his son, Giuliano.
The journey to Madrid comes at a crucial juncture for manager Michael Carrick, following his side's failure to capitalise on their advantage against 10-man Tottenham on Saturday. Bryan Mbeumo had put United ahead after they survived early pressure, and victory appeared secure when Rodrigo Bentancur received his marching orders for violent conduct. However, deep into added time, Dominic Solanke's clever header rescued a point for Spurs, who had been languishing at the foot of the Premier League table before kick-off.
Carrick under pressure
Their trip to Madrid launches a crucial week of fixtures ahead of their next Premier League game against Leeds United. Carrick has found it difficult to match the performances from last season that propelled United towards 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."
