Leicester City vs Manchester United preview
When Erik Ten Hag was appointed Manchester United manager, he knew it was the biggest challenge of his career. Two games in, that challenge got more significant as they lost to Brighton and then were taken to pieces by Brentford. However, Ten Hag promised results would change and change they did. Following the 4-0 humiliation at Brentford, United have won consecutive matches to restore some pride.
It all started with the 2-1 win over Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. In that match, the Red Devils started on the foot and deployed the high press against a side who are masters of Gegenpressing. Their next game was a tenacious, gritty 1-0 away win at Southampton. While work still needs to be done, United look like a much better side.
Lisandro Martinez’s signing has strengthened the backline, and the transfer of Tyrell Malacia is also paying dividends. However, their best signing is yet to play a complete game. United’s signing of Casemiro is a brilliant coup which provides Ten Hag with steel in the midfield.
Ten Hag has the chance of making it three wins out of three. And in his way will be Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester. The Foxes are having a nightmare start to the season with one draw and three losses. Currently 19th, Leicester desperately needs a win, but it won’t come easy against a rejuvenated United.
Leicester City vs Manchester United team news
After Erik Ten Hag’s admission that he wanted to change the entire team at half-time against Brentford, United have been a different beast. And their two wins have one thing in common. The absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. After scoring 18 goals, the third-most in the league last season, no one would have expected Ronaldo to be benched. However, rumours of transfers and alleged clashes with Ten Hag have complicated the matter. Ronaldo commented that he did not come to United ‘to become a cheerleader’ when he joined. That statement is not ageing well right now.
However, another person on the bench with him last 2 games could start. Varane’s fitness needs to be managed and with a clash against Arsenal looming, he could make way for Maguire.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup: De Gea, Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia, Fred, Casemiro, Fernandes, Sancho, Elanga, Rashford
Manchester United win an away game for the first time since February. Also keep a clean sheet away for the first time since Norwich last Dec. Club's worst away run since the 1930s is over.
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) August 27, 2022
Meanwhile, the problems at King Power Stadium continue to mount. After drawing at Bretford, Leicester lost to Arsenal, Southampton, and Chelsea. While it can be argued that they have played two top teams away, the loss at Southampton proves that the problem is deep.
The backline has remained the same, but Rodgers has made it. In addition, they have also lost Wesley Fofana, who signed for Chelsea. James Maddison also remains injured. Their last match was against 10-men Chelsea which they managed to lose.
And the task does not get easy as they face a resurgent United. A weak start would have fans on the backs of players very soon.
Predicted Leicester City Lineup: Ward, Justin, Evans, Amartey, Castagne, Soumare, Praet, Tielemans, Dewsbury-Hall, Barnes, Vardy
Gamechangers
While finding a game changer after the first two games were challenging, several players have commendable performances in the last two matches. Bruno Fernandes has been controlling things in midfield and scored a well-taken goal against Southampton. Elsewhere, Jadon Sancho scored against Liverpool, which will give him confidence.
The backline has significantly improved since the addition of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, with Malacia and Dalot acting as the perfect attacking full-backs.
2 starts, 2 wins, and 1 goal conceded..
The Butcher Martinez x Rolls-Royce Varane is the way forward for Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/tL2kX84g1j
— UtdFaithfuls (@UtdFaithfuls) August 27, 2022
Leicester’s leading man, James Maddison, is out, and Wesley Fofana is set for Chelsea.
It appears bleak at the moment, but the Foxes have other players who can trouble any opposition on their day.
Jamie Vardy will be expected to lead the line but will need support from the midfield. Harvey Barnes, Dennis Praet, and Youri Tielemans must step up. The primary responsibility will be on Wilfred Ndidi to stop United’s attack.
How many signings are too many? Ask Nottingham Forest who have signed 19 of them
Leicester City vs Manchester United predictions
Leicester are where United were last week. The fixture list has not helped the Foxes, but they must now get their season on track. To do so against United would not be easy, but nothing is in the English Premier League.
And while Leicester may be struggling, it is due to a lack of form and not a lack of talented personnel. So perhaps the home support will get them through.
FootTheBall predicts a share of points with a 1-1 draw.