Ralf Rangnick could be making a huge mistake by giving Atletico Madrid too much respect

Manchester United take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League with both teams struggling under the weight of expectations in their respective leagues this season.

United have found form under Ralf Rangnick but are still prone to errors - something that is a concern ahead of facing LaLiga's reigning champions, given the relative strength of the Reds' recent opponents.

But is Rangnick giving his opponent too much respect?

In his pre-match press conference he said: "In the Champions League, you need to perform at the highest level in all areas. We have made sure the players could recover in the last few days and maybe we will have some fresh legs on the pitch, we will see.

"Mentally we need to prepare for a very emotional, if not hostile, atmosphere. I don't think the game or the fixture will be decided [in Madrid], it will be decided in the second leg at Old Trafford."

And then he went on to talk about his opposite number - the inimitable Diego Simeone.

"He has won trophies with a clear identity, with a recognisable play style," Rangnick said. "I don't think this has changed in the last years. They are always an emotional side and this reflects the character of the manager. Diego Simeone is probably one of the best emotional managers in Europe.

"The style of the way his teams have always performed reflects those emotions that he brings to the team. We need to match the levels of energy and emotion in both games. It will be physical, it will be emotional and we will have to be mentally strong in both games. I will try to prepare our team for that challenge."

However, this is not the Atletico of old that United are about to face. This is a team that is having a crisis of identity.

Jan Oblak is failing to maintain the