Manchester United host Leicester City in Saturday’s late Premier League kick-off at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils registered a superb 3-2 comeback win over Tottenham Hotspur in their last league outing. Cristiano Ronaldo was undoubtedly the stand-out performer with the second hat-trick of his United career.
However, the joy was short-lived as the club were eliminated from the Champions League. Atletico Madrid secured a 1-0 win at Old Trafford in the second leg of the last 16 tie. They progressed with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
The international break may have come at the right time for United particularly after such a disappointing result. Interim boss Ralf Rangnick will be hoping that his players can now redeem themselves.
United are presently four points behind Arsenal in the pursuit of the final Champions League spot, having played a game more. The upcoming clash against the Foxes is a must-win to avoid losing further ground.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David de Gea has been United’s undisputed choice in goal for the Premier League and Champions League games this term. The Spaniard has stood out with several stand-out saves which have single-handedly won points for the club. There are no doubts over his position between the sticks.
In the backline, Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane should continue as the central defensive pairing. Maguire has received much criticism from some United fans for his performances lately. However, he is coming off another bright international spell with England, and should be an assured starter.
Diogo Dalot has been clearly the first-choice right-back over Aaron Wan-Bissaka in recent months. The latter has been known for his defensive solidity, but has been found wanting in that aspect. Dalot, who started in Portugal’s World Cup play-off semi-final, should get the nod over Wan-Bissaka.
On the opposite end, Alex Telles was a regular choice before the international break, but it was partly influenced by Luke Shaw being sidelined due to coronavirus. Shaw followed to feature for England in both friendlies, scoring against Switzerland. He could start at left-back tomorrow.
Coming to the midfield, Rangnick has already hinted that Scott McTominay and Fred are his preferred central midfield choices when fit. He has described the duo as the best ball-winners in the squad. It won’t be a surprise if the pair line up alongside each other in the centre of the park.
Further forward, Bruno Fernandes should be a confirmed starter in his usual number 10 position. Rangnick’s decision to sub him early against Atletico definitely came as a surprise for some fans, given he has been the club’s most creative player.
Jadon Sancho has been the pick of the United players since the winter break with six contributions, all from the left wing. However, he could start on the opposite flank to compensate for Paul Pogba. The £49.5 million-rated star should provide more creativity than Anthony Elanga and an out-of-form Marcus Rashford.
Ronaldo is expected to lead the line once more. The Portuguese star recently answered his critics with a world-class showing against Spurs, just days after missing the Manchester derby. With Edinson Cavani once again injured, the 37-year-old could play the full 90 minutes.
How Man Utd could line up against Leicester
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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