Manchester United vs Leicester City Preview
By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01
This Sunday, the spotlight shines brightly on Old Trafford as Manchester United’s interim manager, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, takes charge of his final game against Leicester City. After guiding the Red Devils to a Carabao Cup victory over the Foxes—albeit against a rotated squad—Van Nistelrooy will aim to end his brief stint on a high. Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim awaits in the wings, ready to step in after his own clash with Braga. The stakes are high for both managers, and the question looms: will the “Ruud Reds” bid their interim boss farewell with a victory, or will Leicester spoil the party?
Optimism is already swelling around Ruben Amorim, who arrives at Old Trafford with a growing reputation. Just days ago, on November 5th, 2024, his Sporting Lisbon team delivered a stunning 4-1 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League. It was a fitting farewell, with the Sporting faithful sending him off in style. In his pre-match conference, Amorim joked, “Win this, and I’m the next Sir Alex Ferguson. Lose, and I’m yesterday’s news.” He delivered emphatically, and fans now wonder: can he bring the same magic to United? His task won’t be easy, but the early signs are promising.
The Red Devils responded to Amorim’s impending arrival with a commanding 2-0 win on Thursday, ending a year-long European drought. The first half was sluggish, with missed opportunities aplenty, but the second half saw Amad Diallo steal the show. His brace ignited the Old Trafford crowd and reminded fans of the team’s attacking potential.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy deserves praise for steadying the ship, but the task ahead for Amorim is monumental. United’s inconsistency, particularly in midweek fixtures, remains a glaring issue. This kind of unpredictability can derail even the best of managers. Despite a spirited performance in their recent draw against Chelsea, their inability to finish chances remains a concern. United’s nine league goals so far mark their worst return at this stage of a Premier League season. With a critical match against Ipswich looming after the international break, Amorim’s coaching staff will have their hands full.
Leicester City, on the other hand, have begun to find their rhythm under Steve Cooper. After opening the season with a 1-1 draw against Tottenham, the Foxes endured a rocky start but have since lost just once in their last four games, climbing five points clear of the relegation zone.
Their recent 1-1 draw with Ipswich highlighted their never-say-die spirit, with Jordan Ayew netting a last-gasp equalizer. Remarkably, Leicester’s last four away games have all featured dramatic, late goals that shifted the outcome. The Foxes are also one of only two teams, alongside Manchester City, to have scored in every league match this season—a testament to their attacking consistency.
Historically, Manchester United have dominated this fixture, losing just two of their last 17 Premier League meetings with Leicester. The Red Devils have also found the net in their last 28 league games against the Foxes, a streak bettered only by their 30-game scoring run against Arsenal in the 1950s and ’60s.
With form, history, and new leadership converging, Sunday’s clash promises drama, intensity, and perhaps a few surprises. Can United ride their momentum to victory, or will Leicester continue their streak of late heroics? The stage is set, and fans won’t want to miss it.
Manchester United’s record against Leicester:
| Games won: | 71 |
| Games drawn: | 31 |
| Games lost: | 36 |
Team News:
(As of today 10/11/2024)
Manchester United: Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, and Tyrell Malacia remain unavailable.
Leicester: Wilfred Ndidi, Oliver Skipp, and Jakub Stolarczyk are unavailable.
Prediction:
Manchester United may hold the edge heading into this clash, but their tendency to stumble against teams they’ve previously ousted from cup competitions adds a layer of unpredictability.
Manchester United 3-1 Leicester
What’s your prediction? Share your thoughts in the comments below!