Manchester United are set to host Leicester City at Old Trafford on Friday night in a crucial FA Cup fourth-round showdown.
The Red Devils suffered yet another setback last Sunday, falling 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace—a result that extended their dismal run of form to a level not witnessed since the 19th century.
While Ruben Amorim has masterminded statement victories over Manchester City and Arsenal in this competition, his side has been woeful at home. Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Brighton, and Palace have all come to the Theatre of Dreams and left with three points, exposing United’s fragility on their own turf.
Currently languishing in 13th place, just three points clear of Everton in 16th, United’s hopes of securing European football next season now largely rest on their performances in the FA Cup and Europa League.
Despite their struggles, this fixture presents a golden opportunity for the hosts. Leicester City initially saw a brief resurgence following Ruud van Nistelrooy’s appointment in early December, but their form quickly nosedived with seven consecutive Premier League defeats. They did manage a shocking 2-1 comeback victory over Tottenham Hotspur a fortnight ago, but any momentum gained was quickly erased by a crushing 4-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park last weekend.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Here’s how to watch this FA Cup match in the UK:
This game is available for live TV broadcast on ITV1 and STV in the UK. Streaming options are available on ITVX and STV Player.
This FA Cup clash takes place at the Old Trafford in Manchester, England and kicks off on Friday, February 7 at 8 p.m. local time (GMT).
United boss Ruben Amorim could hand a debut to new signing Patrick Dorgu, who was presented to fans at Old Trafford prior to the loss to Palace. Diogo Dalot‘s one-game ban for his red card in the third round was served in the league win over Southampton, so he is clear to play.
Altay Bayindir may keep his place in goal after his heroics against Arsenal in the last round. Toby Collyer could also get a start in midfield. The Kobbie Mainoo No. 9 experiment is unlikely to be repeated in attack.
Luke Shaw is an option to replace the injured Lisandro Martinez in defence, but if he is not yet ready to start a game, Victor Lindelof or Matthijs de Ligt will likely deputise, meaning Leny Yoro will start on the right.
Man United predicted lineup (3-4-2-1, right to left): Bayindir (GK) — Yoro, Maguire, De Ligt — Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu — Amad Diallo, Mainoo — Zirkzee.
Injured: Martinez (knee), Shaw (undisc., doubt), Mount (thigh), Evans (muscle)
Suspended: None
Wilfred Ndidi is working his way back to full fitness and could at least make the matchday squad for this visit to Old Trafford. Ricardo Pereira is not likely to return until later this month, and Issahaku Fatawu will not be back this season.
Woyo Coulibaly might get his first start for the club, but it remains to be seen how much Van Nistelrooy will rotate his side. Striking a balance between keeping his players fresh for the relegation fight while not giving up the chance of an FA Cup run will be difficult.
Leicester City predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Hermansen (GK) — Coulibaly, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen — Winks, Soumare — Ayew, El Khannouss, Mavididi — Vardy.
Injured: Fatawu (knee), Pereira (thigh), Ndidi (thigh, doubt)
Suspended: None
Manchester United will be looking for another dominant display when they host Leicester, having already secured two convincing home wins over them this season. Their struggles under Ruben Amorim have been evident, but this fixture could provide a much-needed opportunity to steady the ship.
Meanwhile, Leicester’s new boss, Ruud van Nistelrooy, is no stranger to this challenge—ironically, he orchestrated both of those previous defeats against United earlier in the campaign. However, replicating that success with his current squad seems far less likely, especially given their underwhelming showing at Everton.
All times GMT
Friday, February 7
Saturday, February 8
Sunday, February 9
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