Ralf Rangnick says fan factor can inspire Manchester United to win over Atlético

Ralf Rangnick wants Manchester United fans to be the “12th and 13th player” on Tuesday night at Old Trafford when his team bids to knock out Atlético Madrid and reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

United have reached the last eight only twice since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 – the following year and in 2019 – and with the tie poised at 1-1 after the first leg Rangnick said he was looking for the home fans to make the same difference as they did in the 3-2 win over Tottenham on Saturday.

“Quite like in the game against Spurs we need our players and supporters to be on top form on Tuesday night,” he said. “Our supporters play a vital role and it’s always a very special atmosphere at Old Trafford – even more so for international [European] games. They can be our 12th and 13th player on the pitch and make the difference – making it a very special experience for everyone. In the end it’s up to us, we have to create those moments and then the rest will come from our fantastic supporters.

“The supporters are the ones we can rely on and what kind of energy that happens [comes from them] is up to us. Antonio Conte said on Saturday that it was a very difficult atmosphere for them to play and that’s probably one of the biggest compliments you can get: if the opposition manager says that after the game.”

Alex Telles echoed Rangnick’s sentiment. “The support is extremely important,” said the defender. “If we play well the fans will always be behind us. We feel that when we’re at home. We have fantastic fans and they’re very positive and we react positively to that – that’s how it was against Spurs and I think it will be the same against Atlético: we’re really happy with the fans.”

Bruno Fernandes is set to return,