Manchester United players will have a point to prove on Wednesday night as they host Leicester City in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
The spotlight is now firmly on Old Trafford following the decision to sack Erik ten Hag as the Red Devils’ head coach following the 2-1 away defeat at West Ham United on Sunday. With Ten Hag gone, Ruud van Nistelrooy will take interim charge of the cup game against the Foxes while INEOS continue to work on a deal to appoint Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim permanently, who they have identified as the top target for the vacant job.
Nistelrooy will prepare the boys for a strong response to the West Ham defeat, as the Old Trafford faithful hope to see a better performance in midweek.
Manchester United Team News
After the defeat to West Ham, Ten Hag issued team news in his press conference and confirmed Luke Shaw has suffered yet another setback in his rehabilitation process from a calf injury.
Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Antony and Leny Yoro are expected to remain sidelined. Noussair Mazraoui came off in the closing stages of the defeat to West Ham with a foot problem and his status remains unknown.
Predicted Man United lineup vs Leicester City (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana has arguably been Man United’s best player of the season and there is no reason for him to be dropped after Ten Hag’s departure.
Defence
Van Nistelrooy was known for using a 4-3-3 formation during his time in charge of PSV Eindhoven but he is unlikely to tinker much and should go ahead with the 4-2-3-1 formation that Ten Hag had largely used.
With Mazraoui expected to miss out, Lisandro Martinez should operate at left-back in the Man United lineup with Diogo Dalot keeping his place on the opposite side of the defence. Van Nistelrooy may prefer Victor Lindelof ahead of Jonny Evans to partner Matthijs de Ligt in central defence, and the pair have to be at their best to keep the ageing star Jamie Vardy quiet in midweek.
Midfield
Manuel Ugarte was an unused substitute in West Ham’s 2-1 defeat, so he would be fresh to start the game in the Man United engine room. With the Uruguayan holding the fort, Christian Eriksen will get the license to move forward and try to unlock the Leicester backline.
Bruno Fernandes must lead by example after a poor showing against West Ham on Sunday. He has to step up his game and use his creative brain to cause the visitors all kinds of problems. Casemiro would be an option to come off the bench if required.
Attack
Amad Diallo came off the bench in the defeat to West Ham, but the Man United interim boss might look to unleash him from the get-go handing a start in the Man United lineup. The Ivorian will have a point to prove from the right wing.
On the other flank, Van Nistelrooy may give Marcus Rashford the nod ahead of Alejandro Garnacho.
Rasmus Hojlund is certain to lead the attack in the Man United lineup, with the likes of Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee, Casemiro and Jonny Evans getting chances off the bench.
