This weekend, Old Trafford will once again be the battleground as Manchester United prepares to take on Leicester City in a highly anticipated Premier League clash. This match marks the second encounter between the two teams in just ten days, following their recent showdown in the Carabao Cup.
In their last meeting, Manchester United, under the temporary management of Ruud Van Nistelrooy, delivered a stunning performance, defeating Leicester 5-2. This match was particularly significant as it was the first game for United since the departure of Erik Ten Hag. Despite Leicester City’s head coach, Steve Cooper, opting to rest key players for the cup match, the defeat was a bitter pill for the Foxes to swallow. Fans will be hoping for a much-improved display this time around.
Match Details
Date: November 10, 2024
Time: 14:00 GMT
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Team News
Leicester City has received a boost with the return of striker Patson Daka to full training. However, they will still miss the services of Hamza Choudhury and Jakub Stolarcyk, who are both recovering from long-term injuries.
On the other hand, Manchester United faces a more challenging situation with several key players unavailable. The list of absentees includes former Leicester defender Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, and Kobbie Mainoo. This could significantly impact their squad depth as they look to maintain their momentum.
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A New Era for Manchester United
This match will be particularly poignant for Manchester United, as it will be Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s final game in charge before Ruben Amorim takes the reins on November 11. Amorim’s first test will come against Ipswich Town in two weeks, and the club will be eager to hand him a solid foundation to build upon.
Under Van Nistelrooy, United has largely retained the tactical approach of his predecessor, Erik Ten Hag. The team has lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with a notable emphasis on strengthening the defense. The midfield duo of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte has been pivotal in shoring up the backline, allowing the team to maintain better control during matches.
Despite being favorites going into this fixture, Manchester United has struggled to find their scoring touch this season. With only nine goals to their name, they rank among the lowest in the Premier League, significantly underperforming compared to their expected goals (xG) of 16.6. Key players such as Bruno Fernandes, new signing Joshua Zirkzee, and Alejandro Garnacho have all faced criticism for their inability to convert opportunities into goals.
Leicester City’s Game Plan
Leicester City, while facing their own challenges, will look to capitalize on any weaknesses shown by the Red Devils. The Foxes have displayed a wealth of attacking talent, and despite their defensive woes this season, they have shown resilience and determination on the pitch. It is expected that Leicester will adopt a defensive 5-4-1 formation, focusing on counterattacks to exploit any gaps left by United’s defense when they push forward.
With both teams eager to secure points, fans can expect a fiercely contested match. Leicester City will be aiming to restore some pride after their recent defeat, while Manchester United will be looking to build momentum before the arrival of their new manager.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Manchester United:
– André Onana
– Diogo Dalot
– Matthijs de Ligt
– Lisandro Martinez
– Noussair Mazraoui
– Casemiro
– Manuel Ugarte
– Alejandro Garnacho
– Bruno Fernandes
– Marcus Rashford
– Rasmus Hojlund
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Leicester City:
– Mads Hermansen
– Ricardo Pereira
– Wout Faes
– Caleb Okoli
– Victor Kristiansen
– Harry Winks
– Wilfred Ndidi
– Bilal El Khannouss
– Facundo Buonanotte
– Jamie Vardy
– Stephy Mavididi
As the stage is set for this thrilling encounter, fans from both sides will be eagerly watching to see if Manchester United can continue their winning ways or if Leicester City can turn the tide in their favor. With the stakes high and emotions running deep, this match promises to be a captivating spectacle.
