Manchester United vs Leicester City: Preview, Team News, Predicted Playing XI

Add as a preferred source on Google

Manchester United vs Leicester City: Manchester United will host Leicester City at Old Trafford on matchday 11 of the English Premier League on Sunday, 10 November 2024.

The Red Devils aim to maintain their momentum under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has rejuvenated the squad with recent strong performances, including a commanding 5-2 Carabao Cup win against Leicester and a 2-0 Europa League victory over PAOK.

However, this will be Van Nistelrooy's final match at the helm before Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim takes over. United will look to capitalise on their recent form and give their departing manager a positive send-off.

Leicester City, meanwhile, arrive at Old Trafford with the hope of exploiting any vulnerabilities within United’s defence. Despite being without key players like Patson Daka and possibly Hamza Choudhury, Leicester is keen on causing an upset against a Manchester United side navigating managerial changes.

Manchester United vs Leicester City: Team News and Injury Updates

Manchester United will come into the match with significant injury concerns, especially in defence. Leny Yoro remains sidelined with a foot injury, while Luke Shaw, despite returning to training, may not be match-fit.

Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire are also out, with Kobbie Mainoo’s availability uncertain. Amad Diallo, who impressed with two goals against PAOK, might be confined to the bench due to a minor knock. Mason Mount, however, is expected to feature, adding creativity in midfield.

Leicester City have their own selection challenges. Jakub Stolarczyk will miss the game due to an ankle injury, and while Patson Daka and Hamza Choudhury have resumed training, they may not be fully ready.

Manager Steve Cooper will need to adapt his lineup to accommodate these absences, likely relying on experienced players like Jamie Vardy and Wilfred Ndidi to lead the charge.

Manchester United vs Leicester City: Predicted Lineups

Manchester United (4-2-3-1):

Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Ugarte; Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund

Leicester City (4-2-3-1):

Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Ndidi, Winks; Fatawu, Buonanotte, Mavididi; Vardy

Manchester United vs Leicester City: Key Players to Watch

Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes will be essential in the attacking third, while Rasmus Hojlund’s pace and physicality add another dimension to United's forward play. Rashford’s runs down the left flank could prove challenging for Leicester’s defence, especially with the absence of their regular goalkeeper.

For Leicester, Jamie Vardy remains a crucial figure, combining experience and a knack for scoring in critical moments. The midfield pairing of Wilfred Ndidi and Harry Winks will need to provide stability and support for Leicester’s backline while facilitating creative play for forward pushes.

Manchester United vs Leicester City: Prediction

With Manchester United looking to end Ruud van Nistelrooy's interim tenure on a high, they carry a slight edge, especially at Old Trafford. Leicester’s defensive frailties and injury concerns could leave them vulnerable against United's attacking trio of Rashford, Fernandes, and Hojlund.

However, Leicester’s pace on the counter, led by Jamie Vardy, poses a constant threat to a United defence grappling with key absences. Expect a closely contested match, but with their recent form and home support, United are poised to edge it, potentially 3-1, if they maintain their offensive momentum and limit defensive lapses.

Manchester United vs Leicester City: Streaming and Broadcast Information

The match will kick off at 2:00 pm GMT, but will not be shown live on any broadcasting channels. UK viewers can catch highlights on BBC One’s Match of the Day 2 later that evening at 10:30 pm GMT.

In India, fans can catch the action on Disney+ Hotstar at 7:30 pm IST, with highlights available post-match on various platforms.