This weekend, Old Trafford will once again be the battleground as Manchester United prepare to take on Leicester City in a highly anticipated Premier League clash. This match marks the second meeting between the two teams in just ten days, following their recent encounter in the Carabao Cup.
In their last meeting, Manchester United, under the caretaker management of Ruud Van Nistelrooy, delivered a stunning performance by beating Leicester 5-2. This match was particularly important as it was United’s first match since the departure of Erik Ten Hag. Although Leicester City head coach Steve Cooper opted to rest key players for the cup match, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for the Foxes. Fans will be hoping for a much improved display this time around.
Match Details
Date: November 10, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. GMT
Location: Old Trafford, Manchester
Team News
Leicester City have 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 face a more difficult 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 have a significant impact on their team 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 is against Ipswich Town in two weeks, and the club will be eager to give them a solid foundation to build on.
Under Van Nistelrooy, United have largely retained the tactical approach of his predecessor, Erik Ten Hag. The team 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 played a vital role in strengthening the backline, allowing the team to maintain better control during matches.
Despite being favorites for this match, Manchester United have struggled to find their scoring touch this season. With just nine goals to their name, they rank among the lowest in the Premier League, significantly underperforming against their expected goals (xG) of 16.6. Key players such as Bruno Fernandes, new signing Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho have all been criticized 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 the weaknesses shown by the Red Devils. The Foxes have displayed a wealth of attacking talent and despite their defensive issues this season, they have shown resilience and determination on the pitch. Leicester are expected to adopt a 5-4-1 defensive formation, focusing on counter-attacks to exploit gaps left by United’s defense when they advance.
With both teams eager to score points, fans can expect a hard-fought match. Leicester City will look to regain some pride after their recent defeat, while Manchester United will look to build momentum ahead of 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
– Stéphy Mavididi
As the stage is set for this exciting encounter, fans from both sides will be watching with bated breath to see if Manchester United can continue their winning streak or if Leicester City can turn the tide in their favor. With high stakes and deep emotions, this match promises to be a gripping spectacle.