Bidding to advance to the FA Cup fifth round, holders Manchester United welcome Leicester City at Old Trafford on Friday evening.
The Red Devils defeated Arsenal in a penalty shootout at the Emirates Stadium in the last round to set up a fourth-round tie with Leicester City. They were enjoying a three-game winning run across all competitions until Sunday when Ruben Amorim’s team lost 2-0 to Crystal Palace at home in the Premier League. The defeat also saw them drop to 13th in the table.
Given Manchester United’s inconsistent performances under Ruben Amorim, the Foxes, led by former interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, will sense a great chance to cause a massive upset and eliminate the defending champions.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United suffered a massive blow when Lisandro Martinez picked up a serious knee injury in the second half against Crystal Palace on Sunday. The defender is out of Friday’s game and there’s every chance he will not play again this season.
We can confirm that @LisandrMartinez suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament in Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace.
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Licha ❤️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 6, 2025
Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, and Jonny Evans remain out for the Red Devils. New signings Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven were unveiled at Old Trafford ahead of the Crystal Palace game and may be available for selection against Leicester in the FA Cup on Friday.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Leicester City (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Altay Bayindir was the hero of Manchester United’s win over Arsenal in the FA Cup third round. The Turkish international is expected to start in between the sticks against Leicester City on Friday.
Defence
Injury to Martinez should see Amorim make a change in his three-man backline. He may decide to use Noussair Mazraoui as a part of the three-man backline, with Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro joining the Moroccan. The trio have to be switched on to keep the wily Jamie Vardy at bay.
This means Matthijs de Ligt will have to be content for a place on the bench again.
Midfield
Manchester United’s best player under Amorim, Amad Diallo could be stationed as a right wing-back to bring more penetration and guile from midfield. Diogo Dalot appears certain to operate from the left wing-back position. Amorim will hope to see the wing-backs stretch Leicester as much as possible and create openings in the final third.
Manuel Ugarte should operate as a No.6 in the Manchester United lineup, allowing skipper Bruno Fernandes to venture forward and stitch play. The onus will be on the Portuguese midfielder to unlock the Leicester defence. Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Toby Collyer should offer cover for midfield positions from the bench.
Attack
Amorim is likely to move away from the failed experiment of using Kobbie Mainoo as a false 9 in the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace. Instead, he could use the England international as one of the No.10s. Alejandro Garnacho may get the nod to play alongside Mainoo in advanced playmaker roles in the Manchester United lineup,.
Up top, the United boss could go with Joshua Zirkzee, with Rasmus Hojlund an attacking weapon on the bench.
