Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone had boldly labelled Manchester United as one of the best teams in world football ahead of their Champions League showdown tonight.
The Argentine manager also praised interim coach Ralf Rangnick for his impact since he arrived in November, making United an 'intense and dynamic' team.
Atletico host the first-leg of the last-16 clash this evening, and come into the game off the back of a 3-0 win against Osasuna, while United also claimed victory against Leeds.
'In front of us (on Wednesday) is one of the best teams in the world. In their last 14 matches I haven't seen a bad game and they've only lost once,' Simeone said.
'The arrival of their coach (Rangnick) has made them solid since he's been working with the team. He has given his commitment and we are seeing the Man Utd we expect.
'They are fourth in their league. The team has evolved since the arrival of the coach who has impacted the team in some way because you can see it.
'It is an intense team and dynamic team.'
United have indeed lost only once in normal time since Rangnick's arrival - a 1-0 loss at home to Wolves in January - but have drawn five games and have been knocked out of the FA Cup on penalties by Championship side Middlesbrough.
Rangnick confirmed that Edinson Cavani will miss tonight's clash due to an ongoing groin injury.
'As long as he does not feel able to fully sprint, it does not make sense to train him,' the German explained.