Atletico Madrid defender David Hancko has claimed Manchester United have "amazing players" despite the Reds' poor start to the season.
United have taken six points from their Premier League games this term, their worst return at this stage of a campaign in 40 years, when Ron Atkinson was replaced by Sir Alex Ferguson in November 1986.
Carrick under pressure
Michael Carrick was hired on a two-year contract in the summer after winning more points than any other top-flight manager during his interim stint, but the 45-year-old is now being scrutinised after a dismal start to the season.
United drew 1-1 with Tottenham when they returned from the international break last weekend, with the away side securing a point despite Rodrigo Bentancur having been sent off.
Hancko's respect for United
The pressure on Carrick has increased, and he faces the challenge of taking on Atletico Madrid, who are second in La Liga, on Tuesday night.
Atletico are the bookmakers' favourites to win, but centre-back Hancko believes United deserve respect because they still have "amazing" players in their squad.
Speaking on Monday, Hancko said of United: "They are in and out of the Champions League, but still, you know, last year, to finish third in the Premier League, which you could arguably say is the best league in the world with a lot of strong teams, even from the mid-table to the lower table, you know."
"You know how much money clubs in the bottom half can pay for a player, so that's a lot to say about them that they were so successful last year.
"So, of course, maybe even now, they are not coming from a great start to the season, but still, they have amazing players. So we are not looking at like, 'ah, we are giant favourites tomorrow, and we're gonna win the game for sure'."
"It's gonna be really difficult. We know about their threats, and we need to play 100 per cent to bring the result tomorrow. I'm preparing as if it would be a knockout stage game, because, as I said, our draw is really difficult."
"We need a lot of success and a lot of points, especially from the start. And getting them from the second pot isn't a really easy draw. So, of course, as I said before, it's gonna be a difficult game, and hopefully we can bring a great result."
Simeone warns against complacency
Atletico manager Diego Simeone also warned against complacency, saying: "As I mentioned on Saturday, we handled the game the way we should have played, and we delivered a good performance."
"And tomorrow we’re up against a rival who will press us in our own half, with a lot of aggression, a lot of intensity, with good off-the-ball movement, good taking time away from you when pressing.
Beyond results and draws they’ve got at the start of this season, they did what they did last season in Manchester, and they’re a very strong side, so we will have to take the game to them."
Carrick is set to speak at his pre-match press conference at 6.15pm (UK time) this evening.
Carrick will be asked whether Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw have travelled with the squad, given a late decision is set to be made on the pair's involvement after they missed training.
