Manchester United have been drawn against Atalanta in the Champions League group stages, along with Villarreal and Young Boys.
Atalanta are one of the most dangerous teams United could have drawn from the third pot.
They reached the Champions League quarter-finals in 2019, and finished third in Serie A last season, above Juventus on goal difference.
Last season they beat Liverpool in the group stage, springing a surprise to win 2-0 at Anfield.
Manchester United will have to be wary, with Atalanta’s attacking style and 3-4-3 formation presenting an unconventional approach for opponents.
The side have been weakened a little in the summer, with goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, formerly in United’s academy, joining Tottenham along with centre-back Cristian Romero. They have recently signed full-back Davide Zappacosta from Chelsea.
Gasperini once touted as Manchester United boss
Atalanta’s success is down to manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who has been manager of the club since 2016, taking them from relegation battlers into a Champions League side.
10 years ago he was touted as a future Manchester United coach, Goal.com reported, after his impressive work with Genoa.
His ‘revolutionary’ brand of attacking football was cited as reason he could become an outside choice to eventually replace Sir Alex Ferguson.
United were not so bold, as we know, opting for David Moyes two years later.
But snubbing Gasperini in 2013 was understandable, after he flopped in his big chance as Inter Milan boss in 2011.
His most notable achievement was to keep Wesley Sneijder and deny the Dutchman his move to Manchester United.
Gasperini rebuilt his managerial career at Palermo, and then a return to Genoa, before joining Atalanta in 2016.
Now he will finally get the chance to head to Old Trafford in the Champions League and pit his wits against the Red Devils.
- Who is Nicolò Tresoldi? The Italy-born Germany youth striker linked with Man Utd
- Youri Tielemans’ past injuries and age cannot overshadow immediate solution solved in Man Utd’s post-Casemiro era
- I was desperate for Man United to sign Eduardo Camavinga, but his latest Real Madrid decision is a worry
- Joshua Zirkzee’s stance on Juventus move could fast-track Man Utd exit
- Danilo has already learned two important skills from Casemiro amid rumblings he could move to Man Utd
- Man Utd may immediately repeat their successful Youri Tielemans ‘trick’ with their next midfield signing
- Why Man Utd’s brand-new Adidas away shirt for 2026/27 Premier League season is in blue design
- Alejandro Garnacho’s Aston Villa spell could determine which of his two ex-Man Utd teammates’ footsteps he follows
- There’s one major difference with how Benjamin Sesko looks in training
- What Manchester United’s XI vs Rosenborg looked like in 2024 pre-season clash
- Unprecedented transfer move: Man Utd swoop for third midfielder would rip up the club’s transfer history
- Michael Carrick’s Chido Obi decision vs Wrexham is puzzling after JJ Gabriel’s inclusion for Rosenborg
- There is one thing missing from the Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo combination
- Wayne Rooney thinks one World Cup moment proves why Sir Alex Ferguson was ‘best’ in crucial tactical area
- How to watch Man Utd vs Rosenborg: TV channel and live stream details for pre-season friendly today
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
