Atletico Madrid Boss Diego Simeone Makes Stunning Claim About Man United Ahead of UCL Cracker

• Atletico Madrid are scheduled to host Man United for the first leg of their Champions League last 16 fixture
• The meeting comes at a time the European heavyweights have been struggling for consistent performances
• Be that as it may, Atletico boss Diego Simeone contends the Red Devils are one of the best teams in the world
• The Argentine further took time to reflect on Rangnick's reign, praising him for turning around United's fortunes

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has described Manchester United as one of the best teams in the world.

Simeone made the claim just hours before Atletico take on United in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash.

The two European heavyweights are scheduled to face off at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday, February 23, with a place in the quarter-final of the competition up for grabs.

Simeone speaks ahead of Man United meeting

Speaking ahead of Atletico's encounter with the Red Devils, Simeone reflected on the huge task that lies ahead of his charges as he openly admitted their opponents are "one of the best teams in the world."

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The Argentine was also full of praise for Ralf Rangnick, hailing the German for turning around Man United's fortunes since his arrival back in December 2021.

“The new manager has given them solidity, teamwork and commitment. We’re facing one of the best teams in the world. They’ve just lost one in 15," Simeone said as quoted by The Sun.

“They’ve evolved under the new manager. They’re an intense, dynamic team with very good forwards, good players who try to make a huge effort to unite the talent," he added.

Interestingly, both Atletico and United have been blowing hot and cold in recent weeks, with both teams struggling for consistency.

They will be heading into the Wednesday clash after picking encouraging results last weekend where they won their respective league fixtures.

Atletico likely to miss seven key players

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Diego Simeone may have to rethink on how to line up his charges when Atletico Madrid face Man United in the Champions League.

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The defending La Liga champions are likely to miss the services of several players for the United visit including captain Koke.

Koke is understood to have picked an injury during Atletico's weekend win over Osasuna in the La Liga.