Manchester United FC vs Leicester City, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Manchester United FC vs Leicester City Match Prediction & Analysis

With Ruben Amorim’s appointment looming, Manchester United are set for one last dance under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Red Devils host Leicester City at Old Trafford this Sunday, aiming to close his brief tenure on a high. Expect a charged atmosphere as van Nistelrooy seeks to inspire a memorable farewell while United awaits to usher in a new era under Amorim.

Under Nistelrooy, United have remained unbeaten in three games, including a 5-2 win over Leicester City in Carbaro Cup, round of 16. The last time they played at home, the Red Devils held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw.

However, Sunday’s clash isn't all about the Red Devils. Leicester City, determined to defy their critics, have already earned 10 points from their opening 10 league fixtures. Their most recent game saw them claw back a dramatic 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town, with Jordan Ayew’s injury-time equaliser proving their grit. 

Current Standings: With 3 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses, Manchester United are currently placed 13th in the points table with 12 points. Leicester City on the other hand, are placed 15th with 2 wins, 3 draws and 5 defeats. 

Head-to-Head Record: Over the years, United have dominated this Rivalry with a win-loss record of 21-4 in 34 matches. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester United FC Preview

Ruben Amorim steps into a Manchester United side that has hit a historic low, with just 12 points from their first 10 matches—the club's worst start since the 1986/87 season. Yet history offers a silver lining; that rocky spell paved the way for Sir Alex Ferguson's legendary era. But before Amorim's chapter begins, it's all about Ruud van Nistelrooy. As he prepares for his final match in charge, nothing less than a win over Leicester City will suffice for the outgoing coach.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s approach may resemble Erik ten Hag’s reactive style, but there’s a key difference—under Nistelrooy, players seem liberated, showcasing greater freedom and creativity on the pitch. Tactically, one can expect a 4-2-3-1 formation in this game, as showcased in the Carabao Cup triumph over Leicester. 

Bruno Fernandes has thrived under Ruud van Nistelrooy, emerging as United’s key man with goal involvements in their last three matches. The number 10 stole the show with a brace against Leicester in the Carabao Cup. 

The Red Devils continue to reel with injuries to key players like Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Tyrell Malacia. Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo, who seems to be recovering well from a calf injury, is highly unlikely to be fit for Sunday's game. However, Mason Mount, who returned to the squad during the midweek game, is expected to be available for Sunday’s clash. 

Manchester United  Probable XI -  Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Ugarte; Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund

Leicester City Preview

Leicester City, despite a chaotic summer marked by a poor transfer window and the exit of their manager, have surprised many with a promising start to their Premier League campaign. As a result, they have proven to be the strongest of the newly promoted sides. Yet, they would have preferred if some of the results had gone their way. Like their clash with Crystal Palace, where a late goal forced them to settle for a draw instead of claiming all three points, or the recent draw with Ipswich Town. 

Unlike some of the teams in the league, Leicester lacks the firepower to be on the attack at all times of the game. But their problem has been that they have been overly defensive. And the numbers show it hasn't been rewarding. The Foxes have conceded 18 goals, fourth worst in the season with an xGA of 19.79. Given that United has this tendency to err when put under pressure, Foxes will have to be proactive in this game rather than reactive. 

When it comes to Leicester, it's all about Jamie Vardy. With four goals and one assist, he leads the pack in goal contributions. With the possibility of Jordan Ayew—who scored the late equaliser against Ipswich and has scored in the last two away games—starting in the XI, Vardy can really make a big impact if he really goes for it. 

Leicester are doing pretty well in terms of injuries, with only Hamza Choudhury, Patson Daka, and Jakub Stolarczyk out for this game.

Leicester City Probable XI - Hermansen; Pereira, Okoli, Faes, Justin; Ndidi, Winks; Ayew, Buonanotte, Mavididi; Vardy

MANCHESTER UNITED FC vs LEICESTER CITY
Winning Prediction

Manchester United recently secured a resounding 5-2 victory over Leicester City at home and will undoubtedly carry this momentum into Sunday's clash. However, it's important to note that Leicester were missing several key players during that match. Despite their recent decline, United has a strong historical record against newly-promoted teams, winning 16 of their last 18 such encounters. Additionally, Leicester has struggled on their travels to Manchester, winning only one of their last 14 Premier League matches in the city.

While the match could be challenging for United, their superior record against newly-promoted sides makes them the favorites to win. Manchester United are currently favored to win with odds of 1.38, while a draw is priced at 5.50 and a Leicester City victory at 6.50. Based on historical data, an expected goals (xG) total of 3-3.5 is anticipated for this match.

Manchester United to Win 3-0

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