Ruben Amorim and Manchester United are in need of a positive result. The Red Devils have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup and are in disarray in the Premier League, leaving the Europa League and the FA Cup as their only chances of picking up silverware this season.
United’s penalty shootout victory over Arsenal in the previous round was a confidence boost for Amorim’s shaky side but back-to-back defeats in the league has left them on unsteady footing ahead of this potentially tricky tie. Marcus Rashford has been sent away to Aston Villa and, with the remaining forwards all struggling for goals, Amorim may need to come up with a creative solution to secure the win.
But Leicester are in poor form too. They won just once in four matches since a 6-2 demolition of QPR in the previous round and shipping four goals against Everton last time out leaves Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side in a vulnerable position.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match:
When is Man Utd vs Leicester?
The FA Cup fixture will kick off at 8pm GMT on Friday 7 February at Old Trafford in Manchester.
What TV channel is it on?
This fixture will be shown free-to-air on ITV 1 in the UK, with subscribers also able to watch online via ITVX. Coverage begins at 7.30pm.
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What is the team news?
Manchester United are without Lisandro Martinez who has ruptured his ACL and will be a long-term absentee. Luke Shaw has also had a setback and won’t be rushed back into action. Jonny Evans is set to miss out on a reunion with his former club, and Mason Mount is also recovering from injury.
New signings Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven are both available and eligible to be selected.
For Leicester, Wilfred Ndidi returns from injury and Ruud van Nistelrooy has hinted at alterations to his squad for his return to Old Trafford. Teenagers Jeremy Monga and Jake Evans are expected to form part of the matchday squad.
Abdul Fatawu and Ricardo Pereira are still on the sidelines.
“There are two or three with light injuries, who are doubtful tomorrow. We'll see when we announce the squad,” said Van Nistelrooy.
Predicted line-ups
Man Utd XI: Bayindir; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire; Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dorgu; Amad, Zirkzee, Fernandes
Leicester XI: Stolarczyk; Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Soumare, Winks; Ayew, El Khannouss, Mavididi; Vardy
Odds
Man Utd to win – 1/4
Draw – 7/2
Leicester to win – 7/1
Prediction
Ruben Amorim will see this fixture as a chance to build some confidence within his team and an opportunity to progress further in the cup. Man Utd need to forget their recent performances and put on a display at Old Trafford against a Leicester side they’ve already beaten twice this season.
Man Utd 2-0 Leicester.
