Manchester United vs Leicester FA Cup Preview

• United to win
• Both teams to score

Manchester United and Leicester City face off in the FA Cup fourth round at Old Trafford, with both teams struggling for form in the Premier League, but seeing this competition as a potential route to silverware and European qualification.

Manchester United: Seeking FA Cup Resurgence Amid Home Woes

Despite a strong history in the FA Cup, Manchester United are enduring a historic downturn in home form. Their 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend marked their worst run of home results in 131 years, with five defeats in seven home league matches under Ruben Amorim.

While Amorim has managed impressive away victories at Manchester City and Arsenal in this competition, his team has struggled at Old Trafford against Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Brighton, and Palace.

With the Red Devils languishing in 13th place in the league, the FA Cup and Europa League represent their most realistic routes back into European competition.

Encouragingly for United, they are unbeaten in their last 18 FA Cup ties at Old Trafford in regular time (W16, D2). The last visiting team to win here in this competition was Arsenal in 2014-15.

Additionally, United have already beaten Leicester twice this season—5-2 in the EFL Cup and 3-0 in the Premier League, both at Old Trafford.

Key Player: Amad Diallo

The young winger has impressed in cup competitions and could play a key role in breaking down Leicester’s defence, especially given United’s lack of attacking options.

Leicester City: Can Van Nistelrooy Turn the Tide?

Ruud van Nistelrooy, a Manchester United legend, now finds himself in the Leicester dugout, tasked with pulling his struggling team out of the relegation battle.

After an encouraging 2-1 win at Tottenham, Leicester were thrashed 4-0 by Everton, a defeat that saw them drop back into the bottom three after eight defeats in their last nine games.

Although they were FA Cup winners in 2020-21, Leicester’s recent cup form is uninspiring, and their chances of extending a seven-in-eight record of progressing from this stage look slim given their current form.

However, Van Nistelrooy ironically oversaw United’s two previous wins against Leicester before joining them, and he will be desperate to avenge those results. The Foxes’ attacking struggles and lack of transfer window reinforcements make this an uphill battle.

Key Player: Patson Daka

Leicester need goals, and with Jamie Vardy no longer a guaranteed starter, Daka could be the man to stretch United’s fragile defence.

Tactical Insights

Manchester United’s Approach

• Dominating possession and playing through the wings.
• Using Amad and Fernandes to create chances.
• Exploiting Leicester’s defensive frailties on the counter.

Leicester’s Strategy

• Compact defensive shape to frustrate United.
• Quick transitions through Buonanotte and Mavididi.
• Targeting set-pieces as a potential way to score.

Head-to-Head Record

• Recent Meetings: United have won both matches against Leicester this season (5-2, 3-0).
• FA Cup H2H: Leicester won the most recent FA Cup tie between the two sides in 2021, going on to lift the trophy.
• United’s Old Trafford FA Cup Record: Unbeaten in 18 home FA Cup ties (W16, D2).

Predictions and Final Thoughts

Manchester United’s FA Cup pedigree at Old Trafford, combined with Leicester’s horrendous form, makes them strong favourites to progress.

While Leicester shocked United in 2021, their current defensive weaknesses could see them struggle to cope with United’s attacking firepower.

Predicted Scoreline: Manchester United 3-1 Leicester City

United should have enough quality to progress, but Leicester’s attacking potential means they could find the net at some point.

Conclusion

This is a must-win for both clubs, albeit for different reasons. United need a cup run to salvage their season, while Leicester need confidence ahead of their relegation battle.

With Old Trafford remaining a fortress in FA Cup ties, expect United to advance to the next round.

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Fixtures – Emirates FA Cup – Competitions | The Football Association