Man United vs Leicester: Van Nistelrooy Vying To Remain Unbeaten
Ruud van Nistelrooy will emerge from the famed Old Trafford tunnel on Sunday, leading his troops into battle for the final time against a struggling Leicester City. The passion, the devotion, and the fist-pumping have been well received by the United faithful after a calamous start to the season.
Van Nistelrooy will be hoping to end his time as Man United interim manager on a positive note on Sunday as Leicester travel to Old Trafford. Man United emerged as the victors in the Carabao Cup 10 days ago as they defeated the Foxes 5-2. United will face a tougher challenge at the weekend, as Steve Cooper’s men will be vying to exert revenge, spoiling the interim’s farewell in the process.
Three wins and a draw is a good return for any interim manager temporarily stepping into the fray, regardless of the opposition.
His calmness and aura have created a positive ambience around this team during his short tenure. As chief of an unsettled bunch of players, he has resonated with the fans and the squad, with his reaction to his lieutenant Bruno Fernandes’ penalty vs. Chelsea exclaiming his devotion to the Red Devils.
Ivorian Inspired European Win
An Amad Diallo inspired win on Thursday vs PAOK encapsulated the desire for determined marauding wingers to contribute equally to both attack and defense. The appereciation of his efforts was evident from the roar echoing around Old Trafford on Thursday when his left footed strike seared passed the PAOK keeper for his second goal. Hard work and honesty is a pre requisite for the Old Trafford faithful, one which has not been synomonous with this squad of late.
Van Nistelrooy spoke about Amad’s efforts after the game:
“The second goal had everything in it that is Amad Diallo. He fought to win the ball, he pushed through to get the shot and had the quality to bend it around the goalkeeper. That sums him up”
United fans will be hankering for Amad to start on the right wing against Leicester on Sunday. Quickly becoming a fan favourite, the 22-year-old has been linked to a new contract, with his current contract expiring in the summer.
Ruud’s Interim Reds: A New Era on the United Horizon
As the rumour mill gains momentum regarding van Nistelrooy’s future at the club, he will be fully focused on finishing his time as interim manager unbeaten. One of United’s standout performers this term, Andre Onana, reflected on his time working with the Dutchman:
“He’s a very good guy, a very good coach and he expects a lot. But at the end of the day, it’s not something we can decide because the club make the decision.”
Onana’s resurgence this year has been monumental; his exemplary footwork and calmness on the ball will be greeted with open arms by incoming manager Ruben Amorim.
Noussair Mazraoui’s performance against Chelsea and PAOK will see him retain his position at full back, with Diogo Dalot on the alternative wing. The center-back pairing of Matthijis de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez will be restored after Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof started Thursday’s Europa League tie.
In midfield, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are improving game after game; Ugarte’s precision and speed in switching the play may be key to unlocking the Leicester defense, who are likely to engage in a low block.
Amad is likely to retain his starting spot on the right, with the left wing position up for contention. Alejandro Garnacho was poor for his high standards against PAOK and Chelsea, while Marcus Rashford has failed to hit the form The Red Devils desire. On that note, Rasmus Højlund endured a frustrating game on Thursday night, after a solid performance against Chelsea; however, he is likely to retain his starting position.
Ruben Amorim will take note of the final game before he takes charge. It is an exciting time for the incoming Portuguese, with a number of youngsters breaking through the ranks at Carrington. Chido Obi-Martin recently scored a hat-trick on his academy debut while players such as Jayce Fitzgerald, Ethan Wheatley and Harry Amass featuring on the bench for the Reds of late whilst James Scanlon and Shea Lacey are impressing for the u18’s
Determined Foxes Seeking Revenge
Steve Cooper’s men will be determined to climb the table following last week’s 1-1 draw against Ipswich following Jordan Ayew’s late equaliser. The Jamie Vardy-inspired outfit will prove more robust opposition in comparison to their Carabao Cup performance.
Interestingly, the Foxes lined up with a completely different eleven against Ipswich compared to the squad that started in Old Trafford, portraying that their priority is Premier League survival.
With ten points after ten games, Leicester will be hoping to cause an upset at Old Trafford on Sunday. Jannik Vestergaard returned to the fold against Ipswich last week, providing a boost for Cooper’s men. The Danish centre back had sustained an injury on international duty, which kept him sidelines for a number of weeks.
Hamza Choudhury may feature having returned to training during the week, offering another option for Cooper in the centre of midfield. Lively striker Patson Daka is also hopeful of making the bench for the King Power side.
Ever present Jamie Vardy is likely to lead the line for the King Power outfit. His speed on the counter may cause problems for the United defense, as Vardy will constantly look to play off the last defender and get in behind.
In midfield, Facundo Buonanotte will play behind his captain; the Argentinian youngster has scored three times and provided two assists in nine games this campaign. Harry Winks and Wilfried Ndidi will act as the first line of defence against the United onslaught. Resting in front of the defence, the defensive midfield pairing will be pivotal in cutting out the passing lanes sought after from the United midfielders.
Wout Faes is likely to partner the aforementioned Jannik Vestergaard in the heart of the Foxes defence, one that has conceded a total of 18 goals this season.
Man United vs Leicester Prediction
Man United 3-0 Leicester City
This Manchester United team has a hint of positivity about them, an ambience that is beginning to shape the Old Trafford support. Amad epitomized the optimism and hopefulness around the club on Thursday. The Red Devils now seem to be enjoying their football and, for the first time this season, seem to be semi-compatible.
Leicester will be determined to right their wrongs from their last outing in Old Trafford, but confidence is growing in United team which I think will prove too strong for the Foxes defence.
The atmosphere in Old Trafford and Ruud’s final game in charge should also tip the scale in United’s favour, creating some momentum in Manchester for the arrival of Ruben Amorim.
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