Manchester United vs Leicester City EFL Cup Preview
- United to win
- Fernandes to score or assist
For the first time since Erik ten Hag’s sacking, Manchester United will take to the pitch under new interim head coach Ruud Van Nistelrooy, welcoming Leicester City to Old Trafford on Wednesday evening for a crucial EFL Cup fourth-round showdown.
The Red Devils, looking to shake off recent struggles, will aim to establish a fresh start in the cup, while Leicester sees this fixture as a break from their relegation battle in the Premier League. Here’s a comprehensive preview of this high-stakes encounter.
Recent Form and Managerial Changes
Manchester United’s Season of Transition
The departure of Erik ten Hag comes after a turbulent two-year tenure, during which the Dutchman secured some domestic success but ultimately failed to bring consistency to Manchester United’s league and European performances.
United’s worst-ever Premier League campaign last season left them finishing in eighth, and their current start has been unconvincing, with only three wins in nine league games.
Sunday’s 2-0 loss to West Ham United marked the breaking point, with goals from Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen highlighting the gaps in United’s defence and attack.
Interim boss Ruud Van Nistelrooy takes the helm amid these struggles, bringing experience from a 12-month managerial stint with PSV Eindhoven, where he led the team to a second-place finish in the Eredivisie.
Van Nistelrooy’s first test is to guide United through a potentially tricky cup clash and restore stability to a team in search of identity.
Leicester City’s Mixed Bag in Premier League and EFL Cup
Leicester City has also faced challenges this season under Steve Cooper, finding themselves just five points above the relegation zone in 15th place.
A 1-0 win over Bournemouth and a victory against Southampton showed brief improvement, but their form slipped again in a 3-1 loss to Nottingham Forest last Friday, where Chris Wood’s brace overshadowed Jamie Vardy’s equaliser.
Leicester’s EFL Cup journey so far has been positive, with victories over Tranmere Rovers and a penalty shootout win against Walsall. However, Cooper’s side will need to summon that cup resilience as they prepare for a test at Old Trafford, a venue where they have found little recent success.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Manchester United
Manchester United’s lineup is affected by several injuries, especially in the defensive line. Antony remains out with a sprained ankle, and the centre-back pairing of Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro are sidelined with respective ankle and foot issues.
Luke Shaw is yet to make an appearance this season due to a calf injury, though the England international’s return could be close.
Right-back Noussair Mazraoui is also a doubt for Wednesday’s clash after a knee injury in the West Ham game, making Diogo Dalot the likely starter.
Van Nistelrooy could look to bolster his lineup with experienced players, with key figures like Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen expected to lead in midfield.
Manchester United Predicted Starting XI:
Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Lindelof, Martinez; Ugarte, Eriksen; Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee
Leicester City
Leicester City’s lineup will also be missing crucial players. Patson Daka’s absence due to an ankle injury leaves Jamie Vardy as the primary attacking option for the Foxes.
Defender Jannik Vestergaard remains sidelined with an ankle problem, and midfielder Hamza Choudhury is out until December after dislocating his shoulder.
Steve Cooper is likely to rotate his squad slightly, bringing in some fresher faces while retaining key players like Vardy and Soumare for solidity. The absence of certain first-team players may leave the Foxes exposed, particularly in defence and midfield.
Leicester City Predicted Starting XI:
Ward; Justin, Coady, Okoli, Thomas; Soumare, Skipp; McAteer, El Khannouss, De Cordova-Reid; Edouard*
Key Players to Watch
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): As the captain and creative hub, Fernandes will be vital for Manchester United’s attacking play. His ability to find space and deliver precise passes could break through Leicester’s defences.
Jamie Vardy (Leicester City): The veteran striker remains Leicester’s most reliable goalscorer and will need to be clinical if the Foxes are to test Manchester United’s defence. Vardy’s pace and movement could pose problems for United’s backline, especially in transition.
Head-to-Head Record and Recent Encounters
Manchester United has enjoyed a dominant record at Old Trafford against Leicester, although their previous matches have been close encounters.
Leicester’s form at Old Trafford is historically weak, and with United determined to make a statement under new leadership, the Red Devils may hold the upper hand.
Match Prediction
Manchester United will be looking to impress with Van Nistelrooy at the helm, and the Old Trafford crowd will provide additional support.
Leicester’s squad rotation and recent league struggles suggest that the Foxes might lack the cohesion needed to overcome United’s determined squad. With players like Fernandes and Eriksen likely to control the midfield, Manchester United should be able to break down Leicester’s defence and secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Leicester City
While Leicester may put up a spirited fight, the Red Devils are expected to capitalise on their home advantage and come out on top in this cup fixture.