How Man United can contain Ronaldo during Juventus clash

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  • Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Old Trafford on Tuesday night as Manchester United welcome Juventus for their Champions League group stage clash.

    A late goal meant Jose Mourinho’s side had to settle for a draw against Chelsea, but they now shift focus to stopping their former number seven.

    Ronaldo has started to come good for Juventus, scoring five goals and providing three assists in his last seven outings.

    Here’s a look at how Mourinho will attempt to win the tactical battle with Massimiliano Allegri.

    DEEP-LYING WINGERS

    Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have rarely started together under Mourinho but did so at Stamford Bridge on the weekend in a seemingly attack-minded setup.

    However, both players were clearly under strict instruction not to press the Chelsea backline and drop deep to support their respective full-backs instead, only flooding forward in the break.

    It helped deny space for the Blues to pass through and also for Eden Hazard to exploit. A similar ploy could be used against Juventus and Ronaldo.

    There’s no point man-marking the former Red Devil, who will float across the forward line, but deep wingers would ensure that United’s shape remains compact, denying space for Ronaldo.

    NUMBER 10 ROLE

    What also worked well against Chelsea was Juan Mata’s role as a number 10.

    He linked play between midfield and attack beautifully while his movement in the transition was excellent as well, not only offering the Reds an out-ball but also a platform from where they could attack.

    His off-the-ball shadowing of Jorginho restricted the playmaker and a similar job on Miralem Pjanic would help contain Juventus. If fit, Marouane Fellaini could be used instead.

    The Belgian would offer more steel in midfield and an aerial threat but given the Bianconeri’s strong central defence, crosses may not be the best route to goal and Fellaini may slow down potential counter-attacks.

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