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Holders Manchester United host Leicester City at Old Trafford in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday night, seeking to bounce back from their worst home form in 131 years. Ruben Amorim’s side has suffered five defeats in seven home league games already surpassing what his compatriot Jose Mourinho’s managed during his two-and-a-half-year stay at the club.
A 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford last Sunday ensured a new low was recorded for Man United, with their current run of form being the poorest since the 19th century. While Amorim has secured notable wins at Manchester City and Arsenal in the FA Cup, his side has struggled at home, with Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Palace all securing victories at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils remain stuck in the bottom half of the Premier League table, sitting 13th, just three points above Everton in 16th. Meaning, the FA Cup and Europa League represent their most likely routes back into European competition for the coming season.
This fixture presents a favourable opportunity for Manchester United, particularly given their impressive FA Cup record at Old Trafford, where they have not lost in regular time in their last 18 ties, winning 16, as the last visiting side to win here was Arsenal back in the 2014-15 season. Additionally, they have already beaten Leicester multiple times this season.
Interestingly, Leicester’s current manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, was in charge of Manchester United for their 5-2 and 3-0 wins over Leicester in the EFL Cup and Premier League, respectively. This presents an unusual scenario where Manchester United can potentially beat the same club three times at home in a single season for the first time in their history.
However, Leicester did secure a quarter-final victory over Manchester United in 2021, en route to lifting the trophy. Last season, they were eliminated by Chelsea in the quarter-finals.
Leicester’s current form is a concern, having been thrashed 4-0 by Everton last weekend, just a week after securing a surprise win over Tottenham Hotspur. This defeat has left them struggling to avoid relegation, with Wolves’ win over Aston Villa seeing them drop back into the bottom three.
TEAM NEWS: Manchester United’s transfer window saw Marcus Rashford depart, while Alejandro Garnacho stayed. However, Ruben Amorim’s desire for a new striker was not fulfilled. Lisandro Martinez’s season has been cut short due to an ACL injury, joining Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, and Mason Mount on the sidelines.
Patrick Dorgu, a late signing, may make his debut, while Altay Bayindir is set for a rare start.
Mads Hermansen returned from injury last weekend, but Jakub Stolarczyk may retain his place in the side.
Leicester’s midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is nearing a return from a thigh injury, but Ricardo Pereira and Abdul Fatawu remain sidelined. Ruud van Nistelrooy may adopt a more offensive approach, potentially including Facundo Buonanotte and Stephy Mavididi in his starting lineup.
POSSIBLE STARTING LINEUPS:
Manchester United: Bayindir, Mazraoui, Maguire, De Ligt; Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dorgu; Amad, Hojlund, Fernandes
Leicester City: Stolarczyk, Coulibaly, Coady, Okoli, Kristiansen; Soumare, Skipp; Buonanotte, El Khannouss, Mavididi; Daka
OUR PREDICTION: Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City
Manchester United have already secured two comfortable wins over Leicester at home this season, and despite their poor form, they are likely to secure a narrow victory. Leicester’s performance at Everton last weekend was underwhelming, making it unlikely they will be able to secure anything positive from this one.
… And they likely secured a narrow victory.
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