Manchester United will welcome Leicester City to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in what will be Ruud van Nistelrooy’s final match as interim manager. With new head coach Ruben Amorim set to step in following the international break, Van Nistelrooy aims to leave on a high note after securing a 2-0 victory over PAOK in the Europa League earlier this week. Meanwhile, Leicester arrives on the back of a dramatic 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town, looking to move up the Premier League table by claiming a rare win at Old Trafford.
In Thursday’s European fixture, Manchester United faced challenges breaking down a resolute PAOK defense until Amad Diallo’s attacking brilliance swung the game in their favor. Diallo’s looping header opened the scoring after a frustrating first half, and he followed up with a superb second goal that saw him curl the ball into the far corner. His double not only kept Van Nistelrooy’s unbeaten record intact but also marked Manchester United’s first Europa League win of the season.
However, United’s recent form in the Premier League has been inconsistent, highlighted by their 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend. A stunning volley from Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo prevented United from taking all three points and left them stranded in 13th place on the table. Despite having a manageable path to the top four, United’s league position is precarious, and the team has managed only nine goals in the league so far, marking their lowest offensive output since the 1973-74 season. Amorim will have his work cut out as he looks to address these struggles and bring more consistent success to the squad.
Leicester City, managed by Steve Cooper, also enter the game with a point to prove. Their late equalizer at Portman Road came courtesy of Jordan Ayew, who recovered from a blocked initial shot to score in stoppage time, securing a hard-fought draw against Ipswich. That result ended a two-game losing streak and left Leicester five points clear of the relegation zone in 15th place. Although they sit below United in the standings, the Foxes can leapfrog their hosts with a win on Sunday.
Leicester’s Premier League form on the road has been eventful, as they’ve scored and conceded in all five of their away fixtures this season. When the two sides met in the EFL Cup on October 30, United cruised to a 5-2 victory, but Leicester will look to capitalize on United’s inconsistency and put up a more competitive performance this time around. The Foxes’ last Premier League clean sheet against United at Old Trafford came back in January 1998, so they’ll need to be on top form to keep the Red Devils from finding the net.
In team news, Diallo may miss out on Sunday’s match after picking up a knock in the PAOK game, which could see Marcus Rashford reinserted into the starting lineup. Rashford’s inclusion would add a pacey, direct option to United’s attack. Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are expected to form the central defensive partnership, likely replacing Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof, as Amorim is anticipated to eventually implement a 3-4-3 system when he officially takes over.
Manchester United’s injury list still includes Luke Shaw (calf), Harry Maguire (calf), Kobbie Mainoo (thigh), and Tyrell Malacia (knee), while Leny Yoro is back in training but is being eased into the squad cautiously. On the other hand, Leicester’s squad is largely intact. Patson Daka and Bobby Decordova-Reid might return following respective ankle and wound issues, while Hamza Choudhury is expected to be available despite a lingering shoulder concern. Jakub Stolarczyk (ankle) remains Leicester’s only confirmed absentee.
Jordan Ayew’s late heroics against Ipswich could earn him a spot in the starting XI, though Abdul Fatawu and Stephy Mavididi also contend for forward positions. Jamie Vardy is a certain starter and brings valuable experience against United, having netted six goals in 18 matches against them throughout his career.
United’s possible lineup could see Andre Onana in goal, protected by a back four of Diogo Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, and Noussair Mazraoui. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte would form the midfield core, with Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Alejandro Garnacho supporting striker Rasmus Hojlund.
For Leicester, Mads Hermansen may start in goal, with a back four of James Justin, Wout Faes, Caleb Okoli, and Victor Kristiansen. Boubakary Soumare and Harry Winks would anchor the midfield, while Ayew, Facundo Buonanotte, and Fatawu could line up behind Vardy in attack.
Sunday’s matchup offers United a chance to send Van Nistelrooy off on a positive note, while Leicester aim to maintain momentum and further distance themselves from relegation danger. With both teams struggling for consistency, this clash at Old Trafford could deliver another close and hard-fought encounter.
