Carrick: Atletico Madrid Away Is One of Europe’s Toughest Tests
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has placed Atletico Madrid alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid in his assessment of the Champions League threat awaiting his side at the Metropolitano.
United’s first away match of the competition will take them to the Spanish capital, where Carrick expects Atletico to provide one of the sternest tests in Europe despite the club having collected fewer major honours than Spain’s traditional giants.
- Carrick rates Atletico as a European opponent of the highest level.
- United are preparing for their opening Champions League away fixture at the Metropolitano.
- Diego Simeone’s long-term work at Atletico has been singled out for praise.
United ready for Atletico test
Carrick said Atletico’s sustained record in the Champions League means they must be treated with exactly the same caution as any elite opponent. He stressed that the Madrid side have repeatedly demonstrated their quality over many years and remain among the competition’s most dangerous teams.
The United boss believes the occasion is one his players are keen to embrace rather than fear. The trip is viewed as an early measuring point for a squad still developing under his management.
Respect for Simeone
Carrick also praised Simeone for creating a strong identity during his lengthy spell in charge of Atletico. He said building a successful side takes patience, drawing a comparison with United’s own process of growth.
In Carrick’s view, Simeone’s influence can be seen not only in Atletico’s team but across the club as a whole, with the Argentine having established a durable culture in Madrid.
What happens next
United now head to the Metropolitano for their first Champions League away assignment. Carrick has warned his players to expect the full force of Atletico’s home support, having seen the stadium’s intimidating European-night atmosphere from the outside.
