Ruud van Nistelrooy returns to Old Trafford on Friday evening as his Leicester City side look to knock Manchester United out of the FA Cup fourth round.
The legendary Manchester United striker took interim charge of the Red Devils earlier this season, prior to the appointment of Ruben Amorim. He beat Leicester twice during his brief stint and now returns as head coach of the Foxes.
This will be the third time Leicester travel to Old Trafford this season, having conceded eight across two previous defeats in the Carabao Cup and Premier League, with expectations super low following last weekend’s 4-0 humbling at Everton.
United were forced to do things the hard way as they progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup, beating Arsenal on penalties at the Emirates Stadium in early January. The holders will be aiming to reach a third successive final and arw strong favourites to triumph on Friday despite recent slip-ups.
Man Utd were dealt a devastating blow during Sunday’s defeat to Crystal Palace, with Lisandro Martinez tearing his ACL in the duel. The injury-prone centre-back will be missing for the remainder of the campaign.
Recent reports have suggested that Luke Shaw has suffered a setback on his road to recovery and could be sidelined for several more weeks. He’s joined by Jonny Evans and Mason Mount in the treatment room.
January recruit Patrick Dorgu could be handed his debut against the Foxes having signed from Lecce for £29.2m, while younger acquisition Ayden Heaven could feature in the squad.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Leicester (3-4-2-1): Bayindir; De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Amad, Garnacho; Zirkzee.
Leicester welcomed first-choice goalkeeper Mads Hermansen back from injury at the weekend, although he shipped four on his comeback. The 24-year-old had been out of action for six weeks.
The Foxes are still without long-term absentees Abdul Fatawu, Ricardo Pereira and Wilfred Ndidi, although the latter is edging closer to a much-anticipated return.
Leicester predicted lineup vs Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Soumare, Winks; Ayew, El Khannous, Reid; Vardy.
