Manchester United vs Leicester City Prediction: Manchester United are predicted to win 3-1 at Old Trafford, leveraging their home dominance and Leicester’s defensive vulnerabilities, with both teams scoring in a high-scoring FA Cup clash.
Manchester United vs Leicester City FA Cup Clash: Comprehensive Preview
Manchester United host Leicester City in the FA Cup fourth round at Old Trafford on Friday, February 7, 2025, with both teams aiming to salvage their turbulent seasons through cup success. The Red Devils, despite a dire league campaign, have already defeated Leicester twice at home this season, while the Foxes seek redemption after a recent 4-0 thrashing by Everton.
Key Facts
- Match Details: FA Cup Fourth Round | Old Trafford | Friday, February 7, 2025 | 8:00 PM GMT (2:00 PM IST).
- Where to Watch: ESPN+ (US), ITV1 (UK), Sony Sports Network (India).
- Recent Form: Manchester United lost 2-0 to Crystal Palace in their last home game, while Leicester suffered a 4-0 defeat at Everton.
- Head-to-Head: Manchester United lead 72-36 in 139 meetings, including two wins this season (5-2 in EFL Cup, 3-0 in Premier League).
In Today’s Match Prediction
Predicted Manchester United vs Leicester City Lineups
Manchester United Lineup (3-4-3)
Ruben Amorim’s side is expected to deploy a three-man defense to counter Leicester’s wing play:
- GK: Altay Bayindir
- Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt
- Midfield/Wingbacks: Diogo Dalot, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Patrick Dorgu
- Forwards: Amad Diallo, Rasmus Hojlund, Bruno Fernandes
Key Tactical Note: United’s reliance on Fernandes’ creativity and Hojlund’s aerial presence could exploit Leicester’s shaky defense.
Leicester City Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Ruud van Nistelrooy may opt for a more attacking setup after recent defensive collapses:
- GK: Jakub Stolarczyk
- Defenders: Mamadou Coulibaly, Conor Coady, Christian Okoli, Victor Kristiansen
- Midfield: Boubakary Soumare, Oliver Skipp
- Attacking Midfield: Facundo Buonanotte, Bilal El Khannouss, Stephy Mavididi
- Forward: Patson Daka
Key Tactical Note: Leicester’s lack of width without Fatawu and Pereira could limit their ability to stretch United’s backline.
Injury Concerns
| Team | Out | Doubtful |
|---|---|---|
| Man Utd | Lisandro Martínez (ACL), Luke Shaw (calf), Jonny Evans (muscle), Mason Mount (thigh) | None |
| Leicester | Ricardo Pereira (muscle), Abdul Fatawu (knee) | Wilfred Ndidi (thigh) |
Impact Analysis:
- Martínez’s absence weakens United’s defense, leaving Maguire and De Ligt vulnerable to counterattacks.
- Leicester’s missing full-backs Pereira and Fatawu reduce their attacking threat, placing pressure on Daka to deliver.
Historical Context and Head-to-Head
- Recent Dominance: United have won four of the last five meetings, scoring 13 goals.
- FA Cup History: Leicester won the clubs’ last FA Cup clash (3-1 in 2021 quarter-finals), but United hold an 18-game unbeaten home streak in the competition[3].
- Statistical Edge: United average 2.1 goals per game against Leicester since 2020, compared to Leicester’s 1.3.
Players to Watch
- Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd): With 7 goal contributions in his last 10 games, his set-piece delivery could decide the match.
- Patson Daka (Leicester): The striker has scored in three of his last five appearances but needs service from a depleted midfield.
Prediction and Strategic Insights
Scoreline: Manchester United 3-1 Leicester City.
Rationale: United’s home advantage and Leicester’s defensive frailties (18 goals conceded in 5 away games) favor a high-scoring home win. Amorim’s tactical adjustments, including Dorgu’s debut at wingback, could provide the width needed to dismantle Leicester’s compact setup.
Broadcast and Live Updates
Live Stream: ESPN+ (US), ITVX (UK), SonyLiv (India).
This fixture represents a critical juncture for both managers, with Amorim seeking to stabilize United’s season and Van Nistelrooy aiming to revive Leicester’s fading survival hopes.
