Canada star Jonathan David gives Atlético Madrid Champions League edge against Manchester United
Atlético Madrid need a response in the Champions League when they host Manchester United on Tuesday, and Jonathan David has quickly become the attacking spark capable of driving Atleti forward. The Canadian joined Atlético on a season-long loan from Juventus and scored three goals and provided one assist in his first three LaLiga appearances.
He was held to just an assist this past weekend as Atletibeat a 10-man Alaves side, 2-1. David's movement, link-up play and finishing have quickly made him an important attacking piece for Diego Simeone's side - exactly what he needed after struggling to replicate his Ligue 1 form in Serie A.
United are familiar with David's qualities. The Premier League club were linked with the striker during his five-year spell at Lille, before he moved to Juventus in 2025.
Reports of United's interest resurfaced last summer as uncertainty grew over David's future in Turin, but Atlético secured him on loan. On Tuesday, Atlético welcome United to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano for a Champions League league-phase clash on Matchday 2.
Atlético are in strong domestic form, having won four of their last five matches in all competitions. Victories over Real Madrid and Deportivo Alavés have strengthened their momentum, although theybegan their UCL run with a 2-1 loss away to Liverpool.
United face a demanding test against an Atlético side that has traditionally been difficult to beat at home. Atlético are unbeaten in their four previous competitive meetings with United, winning two and drawing two.
Their most recent Champions League meetings came in the 2021-22 round of 16, when Atlético drew 1-1 at home before winning 1-0 at Old Trafford to reach the quarter-finals. The clubs also met in the 1991-92 European Cup Winners' Cup, with Atlético winning the second-round tie 4-1 on aggregate.
With David flourishing in Madrid, Tuesday gives him another chance to show off his quality against a club that once considered signing him while helping Atlético strengthen their position in Europe.