Manchester United host Leicester City on Friday night under the lights in the FA Cup fifth round at Old Trafford. Ruud van Nistelrooy will be returning to his former club as manager, while Rúben Amorim will be looking to start steering his side back in the right direction.
By Matt Smith
The two sides met earlier in the season in the Premier League and EFL Cup. Van Nistelrooy was, coincidentally, in charge of United for both ties as he stepped in as interim before Amorim arrived. United won both meetings between the two teams this term.
Luke Shaw has ‘small issue’
In his press conference before the FA Cup tie, Amorim confirmed that Luke Shaw had a ‘small issue’, adding that United would have to be careful with the English left-back.
Lisandro Martínez is going to be out for an extended period after picking up a nasty knee injury, while Mason Mount and Jonny Evans remain sidelined.
Time for Amad to step up once again
Amad Diallo has been a shining light for United this season, providing 16 goals and assists combined in all competitions. The 22-year-old, however, is going through a tricky run of form, and Amorim will be desperate to see him step up once again.
Amad has failed to provide a goal contribution in his last five games in all competitions, previously finding the back of the net against Southampton in January, a game where he struck three times. If United are going to turn things around and build some momentum, Amad will need to step up once again.
Young stars make Leicester squad
Van Nistelrooy confirmed that academy stars Jeremy Monga and Jake Evans, who are 15 and 16 years old respectively, will be on the bench at Old Trafford on Friday. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the two young talents, especially if they are given minutes against United.
The Leicester boss added that there are two or three players with light injuries, but he didn’t go into detail.
Time to unleash Buonanotte
Facundo Buonanotte signed on loan from Brighton at the beginning of the season and made an impressive impact at Leicester. The Argentinian forward has provided eight goals and assists combined in all competitions, but he’s struggled for minutes of late.
The 20-year-old has failed to start in the last four games for the Foxes, playing zero minutes against Everton last time out. Only Jamie Vardy has more goals and assists combined for Leicester this season, so it could be time for Van Nistelrooy to unleash him once again.
Prediction
Leicester have visited Old Trafford twice this season already, conceding eight goals and losing both games. The Foxes are in a tricky run of form, so it’s difficult to see past a United victory in this one, especially with Amorim’s side playing at home.
We’re going for a 3-1 win for the Red Devils on Friday evening.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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