Match Preview: Leicester City vs Manchester United

Leicester vs Manchester United | Premier League | King Power Stadium | KO 15:00 GMT

Prior to the international break, Manchester United were out of form and looked at risk of falling out of the title race before it even began and having two weeks off could be of benefit to the under pressure Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

They now return to domestic action and face a daunting run of games, playing the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea in their next six Premier League matches.

The Reds first face Leicester City away from home on Saturday afternoon, knowing only a win would be acceptable heading into the toughest period of the season.

How do Manchester United look?

United enter this match facing somewhat of an injury crisis, particularly at the back.

Harry Maguire picked up a knock against Aston Villa before the break and has confirmed that he will be unavailable to face the foxes, whilst Raphael Varane is also out.

Speaking on the Frenchman ahead of the match, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said, “the international breaks are sometimes a time to cross your fingers and hope for the best” …” Raphael, he’s got an injury, out for a few weeks”.

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He continued, saying “Victor and Eric played in the internationals and got good game time so that was good for us”, suggesting that Lindelöf and Bailly will be the pairing to start at the King Power.

In much more positive news, one of United’s best attacking options appears to be back, and potentially ready to make his first appearance of the season at the weekend.

Marcus Rashford has not been seen in red since the Europa League final last season, before he underwent surgery for a persistent shoulder injury, but has been working hard behind the scenes to recover and get himself fit and available once again.

On Rashford, Ole said “He’s in the squad, yes… he’s fit and raring to go”, offering positive encouragement.

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United have lacked something in attack so far this season and have seemed unbalanced in the way they surge forward, as they have not been playing with a natural left winger.

The reintroduction of Rashford, however, will improve the quality of The Reds’ attack, and allow them to attack down both wings at will, whilst having Cristiano Ronaldo in the box to finish the moves off.

Both Edinson Cavani and Fred are very unlikely to be available, as they played in South America in the early hours of Friday morning.

Opposition: Leicester City

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Brendan Rogers’ side have been unimpressive so far this season, winning just two of their opening seven league games, whilst also struggling in the Europa League.

They have played a number of formations so far this season, ranging from three at the back, to 4-4-2, to 4-3-3, suggesting that Rogers may not know his best side this campaign, something that will be seen as a huge issue to the Leicester fans.

Being linked heavily to the Newcastle United job in the week may have distracted the Northern Irishman’s focus on this match, making it an intriguing watch, in both the way his team plays, and the way he conducts himself this weekend.

The hosts could be without key midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, which would be a huge miss for them.

Key Stats

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United have struggled recently against The Foxes, failing to beat them on all three occasions they faced them last season (losing two and drawing one).