Match Preview: Manchester United vs Leicester City

Manchester United vs Leicester City | Premier League | Old Trafford | Kick-Off – 17:30 (UK) | Sky Sports

While many a football fan dreads the slog of an international break, for Manchester United fans, the pause from club competition has provided respite from what has been quite frankly an awful season.

United return to Premier League action hoping to revive any hope of a top-four finish against a visiting Leicester City.

How do Manchester United look?

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Unsurprisingly, it’s not only been the fans that have benefitted from the last couple of weeks away from Old Trafford. Luke Shaw’s comments following England’s victory vs Switzerland tell a similar story.

“It is always important to feel like you are wanted.” He said.

“I think especially here I always feel that. I am not saying I don’t at United but especially here, the way things are, I feel wanted and I enjoy my football. A big part of football is the enjoyment.

“Of course, it is hard to enjoy when we are losing and not playing well at club level. We have to face that and, of course, this season it has not been good enough so it is hard to enjoy. We have a lot to improve at the club but I am here with England so the focus is on that.”

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The left back’s words were met with some irritation amongst United fans, which probably vindicates Shaw’s feelings. The reality is that it’s hard to look past the claims of rampant toxicity at Old Trafford, on and off the pitch, United seems to be a place where nobody wants to be at the moment. 

For Hary Maguire though, the clouds of despair seem to be following United’s captain everywhere he goes. The centre-back’s name being called out at Wembley was met with boos and murmurs, something that Gareth Southgate and his international teammates were quick to condemn. With his performances in a red shirt leaving a lot to be desired, it remains to be seen what kind of reception he’ll receive at Old Trafford, by his own fans and those travelling from his former side Leicester.

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The International break also saw Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo combine to take Portugal to the World Cup. The hope is that the good feeling created by Ronaldo reaching his 5th World Cup can spur some momentum for the Reds in a decisive couple of months as the season draws to a close.

United players have returned from their international exploits largely unscathed but it will come as no surprise that Edinson Cavani is injured once again will likely be a doubt for the Leicester game. Those not involved with their nations will have benefited from the time off. Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford being omitted from England squad will have hopefully given the duo a much-needed rest, especially on the part of Rashford who is looking to regain some form.

Opposition: Leicester City 

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Remember the last couple of seasons where taking on Leicester would be decisive for a top-four finish? It will be more of the same on United’s part, but as the foxes are so far adrift from the top four their season has been a disappointment.

In all their disappointment they did manage a thumping 4-2 victory against United in the reverse fixture but inconsistent performances have left Leicester in 10th place going into this Premier League weekend.

Although the Foxes have games in hand over teams directly surrounding them in the league, being in 10th position contradicts anything we have seen from Leicester in recent years. While they haven’t made the leap into the top-four, they have always been the Foxes sniffing around the spoils of a Champions League finish. 

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James Maddison has been key for Leicester in the league this season with eight goals and three assists. The attacking midfielder was unlucky to miss out on a place in the recent England squad and will likely be playing with a chip on his shoulder as he takes to Old Trafford this weekend.

While Maddison is still yet to score or assist at Old Trafford, the recently returned Jamie Vardy is no stranger to finding the net against the Reds. Vardy has contributed to nine goals in his 14 league appearances against United.

Key Stats

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United have lost their last three meetings with Leicester City in all competitions.

A Leicester win will see them complete their first top-flight double against United since 1973/74.

Leicester have lost their last five of their last six Premier League away games.

Prediction 

For different reasons, the two sides have underachieved this season but United still have something to play for. The reality is United can’t afford to drop points at home if they wish to finish in the top four. Under Solskjaer, United had a knack for pulling run of good results out of the bag and one would hope they can do the same until May.

Manchester United 2-0 Leicester City