Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim spell in charge of Manchester United comes to an end on Sunday when Leicester visit Old Trafford for the second time in 11 days.
The Dutchman’s short reign began with a 5-2 win over the Foxes in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, and the former United striker is looking to end his unbeaten run after overcoming a draw with Chelsea and victory against Greek PAOK in the Europa League.
United fans will soon welcome Ruben Amorim to English shores following the Portuguese manager’s triumph over Pep Guardiola and his side. Manchester City team on Tuesday night, but the new Red Devils boss has his work cut out for him if he is to oversee a dramatic resurgence at the Theater of Dreams straight away.
So far, Van Nistelrooy hasn’t been able to deviate from a starting XI we’ve become familiar with in Erik ten Hag, and this is the team he could choose. Leicesterthe visit this weekend.
GK: Andre Onana – The Cameroonian shot-stopper continues to impress between the posts and heads for this fixture from the back of a continental goal.
RB: Diogo Dalot – The Portugal international has been a mainstay in United’s backline this term, and the lack of alternatives makes Dalot a safe bet to keep his place.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt – De Ligt bounced back on Thursday as he was an unused substitute in the Red Devils’ Amad Diallo-inspired 2-0 win. He will certainly be back in the team on Sunday.
CB: Lisandro MartÃnez – Martinez may be lucky to be available for this clash given his challenge to Cole Palmer at the end of last Sunday’s uninspiring draw with Chelsea. The Argentine, however, escaped with a yellow card.
LB: Noussair Mazraoui – The impressive Moroccan was excellent last weekend and will enjoy being part of a back four for the last time before Amorim comes in and makes him do things at full-back.
CM: Christian Eriksen – There could be some midfield rotation on Sunday given Casemiro’s recent run in the starting XI. The veteran Brazilian may make way for another seasoned pro in Eriksen, who came off the bench on Thursday.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – Ugarte will soon be reunited with the former chief Amorim, and united Supporters will be hoping the incoming manager can allow the Sporting iteration to emerge from his summer arrival.
RM: Marcus Rashford – The Englishman might have been sweating as he watched Amad Diallo do his job on Thursday despite high temperatures, but the coup d’Ivoire means Rashford’s spot on the right should be safe. His contribution to the drought continued last week.
AM: Bruno Fernandes – There is no chance of Van Nistelrooy dropping the United talisman – he really does play all the time.
LM: Alexandre Garnacho – This is a big match for Garnacho, who has a lot to prove. He produced a very frustrating performance last weekend against Chelsea and needs to prove himself worthy of a place in Amorim’s top three.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund – The young Dane will love working with Amorim, but will also be sad to see the back of Van Nistelrooy, who has undoubtedly had a huge impact on him this season.
