Michael Owen predicts Atletico Madrid vs Man Utd Champions League result

Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen has run the rule over the Red Devils' prospects as they prepare to resume their quest for European glory.

United are seeded in the last 16 after topping their group ahead of Villarreal, Atalanta and Young Boys, but the prospect of a knockout tie against Atletico Madrid isn't the easiest.

Atleti aren't having the best of seasons domestically, sitting outside the top four after winning La Liga this season, and their seven group stage points represents the lowest total of any team still in the Champions League.

Still, Owen is reluctant to write off a team with solid pedigree in Europe, with two Champions League finals under their belt since current manager Diego Simeone took charge.

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"This is an interesting one," Owen told BetVictor ahead of the game.

"Atletico have had a strange season and have underperformed. Defensively, they've had lots of issues, which is unheard of for a Diego Simeone side.

"I would never rule them out in these big games though, particularly at home, and I know Simeone will have his side really up for this one."

United go into the game off the back of a 4-2 victory at Leeds United in the Premier League, but they haven't had the best recent record in the Champions League.

The Red Devils finished third in their group last season before going on to reach the Europa League final, and haven't made it past the quarter-finals of the Champions League since reaching the final in 2011.

"As for United, they got the win at Leeds at the weekend but again, there's issues at the back," Owen said.

"In these high-intensity matches, are United physically good enough against the top sides? I have my doubts.

"I can see Atletico edging this, and I wouldn't be shocked if Luis Suarez got a goal. I don't think there will be much between these two in both games, but I can see Atletico taking a narrow lead to Manchester."

Man Utd and Atletico Madrid have met just once before in a competitive tie, with the Spaniards winning 4-1 on aggregate to knock the English club out of the 1991-92 Cup Winners' Cup.

United will have to make do without Edinson Cavani for the first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano, with the Uruguayan unable to face off against international teammate Suarez due to a groin injury.

"He didn't train, he has not been training the last couple of weeks, so he won't be part of the group," interim manager Ralf Rangnick said of the former Paris Saint-Germain striker.

"He has problems with his groin and as long as he does not feel able to fully sprint, it doesn't make sense to train him and rush him back."