Manchester United host Leicester City in their first game after the international break. It has been 18 days since United’s last match – a 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid that knocked them out of the Champions League. The break has been a long, hard slog for Manchester United fans as it has allowed rumours and anger to fester and mutate. The manager and players have to start putting right the wrongs of the UCL exit and start by achieving Top Four. It won’t be an easy ride and it relies on some results going the Red Devils’ way but they have to win games like these and perform in the big ones to come. Leicester have started to regroup after the disasterous start to the campaign but are still vulnerable. United have to pick them apart. Here’s all you need to know:

Match Information:

Teams: Manchester United and Leicester City
Date: Saturday 2nd April 2022
KO Time: 17:30pm
Stadium: Old Trafford
Managers: Ralf Rangnick and Brendan Rodgers
Referee: Andre Marriner

Manchester United vs Leicester City Team News:

Manchester United

Ralf Rangnick should have full use of almost his whole squad for the game against Leicester City. Alex Telles played 84 minutes against Bolivia while Fred was an unused substitute. I expect Fred will start against Leicester while Shaw is ready to return to the lineup ahead of Telles. Edinson Cavani remains the only absentee after sustaining an injury on international duty. Pogba and Varane are both fit despite picking up knocks for France.

Leicester City

Leicester will be without Jamie Vardy and Wilfried Ndidi for the United trip both with knee injuries. Jonny Evans and Wesley Fofana are back for the Foxes. Fullbacks, Ryan Bertrand and Luke Thomas are out along with goalkeeper, Danny Ward. Marc Albrighton and Harvey Barnes should be available for selection.

Interesting Facts:

• Manchester United are on a four game winless streak against Leicester City. Their last win was the final game of the 2019/20 season in which Bruno Fernandes secured United a 3rd place finish.
• In the last five meetings between the two sides, there have been 19 goals scored – averaging just under 4 goals per match.
• Jamie Vardy has 5 goals and 4 assists in 14 games against United. He will be sorely missed by the Foxes.

Predicted XI:

Manchester United have a decision to make. 9 games to go and only one competition to play for. I don’t think it would happen but I can’t see a reason why Dean Henderson shouldn’t get a run of games. It has been reported that everyone at the club knows Henderson is better suited to modern football and so how can the manager not choose him?

In defence, I would see Shaw, Maguire, Varane and Wan-Bissaka play at the back. Wan-Bissaka is still better than Dalot and would offer more security against the threat of Barnes and Castagne. In midfield, I expect to see McTominay and Fred as a buffer for Maddison and Dewsbury-Hall with the newly renewed Fernandes in the 10 role. Out wide, I do think Rangnick will go for Rashford and Sancho with 14 days at Carrington to prepare. Up top, Ronaldo will start and hope to refind his form as he did against Spurs.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo

Manchester United vs Leicester City Predicted Score:

United will go all guns blazing and try and get the crowd back on their side. They have to. This Leicester side are weak and without Ndidi have a spineless midfield that can be overwhelmed. United have to do so and find the space between the wing-backs and centre backs. Sancho and Rashford will be pivotal. I do expect a reaction from United and a positive one.

Predicted Score: United to win 3-1