Following a sequence of five wins in seven matches, Manchester United came crashing back to reality on Sunday with an underwhelming 2-0 home loss to Crystal Palace in the Premier League, leaving Ruben Amorim’s struggling side in 13th place. The Red Devils welcome Leicester City, led by legendary former player (and interim coach) Ruud van Nistelrooy, in the FA Cup fourth round this Friday, February 7 (Kick off 8PM). Here is the Manchester United predicted lineup for the clash.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup for Leicester Cup Clash
How Manchester United Have Lined-Up Recently
André Onana is Manchester United’s preferred goalkeeper in the Premier League, with number two Altay Bayindir given the nod in cup fixtures.
At wing-back, Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot are first-choice and both able to play on either flank, with Amad Diallo and Tyrell Malacia also filling in on occasion before the latter’s loan switch to PSV Eindhoven.
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At centre-back, Lisandro Martinez (Now injured), Harry Maguire, Lény Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt have rotated in and out of the back three, with Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo, the latter having been tried at false 9 in the Palace defeat, the preferred choices in centre midfield, supported by Toby Collyer, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
In attacking midfield, Amad, Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho are vying for two spots, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee competing for the number nine berth.
Manchester United Recent Form and Tactics
Following an upturn in form, Sunday’s defeat to Oliver Glasner’s Eagles leaves the Red Devils languishing in 13th place in the Premier League. With only the signing of Danish left wing-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce to show from an underwhelming January transfer window which saw the loan departures of Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa) and Antony (Real Betis), United look especially weak in forward areas with both Zirkzee and Hojlund struggling to impose themselves in front of goal. Indeed, just 28 goals in 24 games and a goal difference of -6 underlines the truly terrible season unfolding in front of Amorim’s eyes.
Manchester United Injuries to Consider
Luke Shaw has had a fresh injury setback that will see him ruled out for a further month having initially been fit enough to return to training, with Mason Mount and Jonny Evans also ruled out for the foreseeable future. Lisandro Martinez sustained a serious knee injury in Sunday’s defeat and will likely be ruled out for the rest of the season.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
GK: André Onana
RWB: Noussair Mazraoui
RCB: Lény Yoro
CB: Matthijs de Ligt
LCB: Harry Maguire
LWB: Diogo Dalot
CM: Manuel Ugarte
CM: Kobbie Mainoo
RAM: Amad Diallo
LAM: Bruno Fernandes
ST: Joshua Zirkzee