Manchester United welcome Leicester to Old Trafford in the Premier League’s Saturday evening kick off.
The Red Devils find themselves firmly in the hunt for a top four place. A win would be a huge confidence boost, as they aim to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
United’s form hasn’t been the best heading into this clash. Ralf Rangnick’s men have won just one of their last five games in all competitions.
That only win came against Tottenham in an eventful 3-2 victory. A Cristiano Ronaldo hattrick was required for United to take all three points in the game.
Either end of that five game span was a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid, followed by a 1-0 defeat. Those results saw United exit the Champions League at the last 16 phase.
Leicester come to Old Trafford in better form than their hosts, winning three of their last five games. The other two ended in defeat for the Foxes.
One of those was a 2-1 loss to Rennes in the UEFA Conference League. Brendan Rodgers’ men won the first leg 2-0 though and have progressed to the quarter finals of that competition.
All three of Leicester’s wins of late have come at the Kingpower Stadium and that could be concerning. The Foxes have only won one of their last five away league games.
United have been much more consistent and difficult to beat at home. The Red Devils have lost just two of their last ten league games at Old Trafford. It looks set to be an entertaining match up.
Below, we’ll preview this Premier League fixture and provide our predictions, the team news, our recommended bets and more…
Manchester United vs Leicester Predictions
The hosts come into the game four points behind Arsenal in fourth, having played a game more. With Arsenal not in action until Monday, it’s a chance for United to move to within a point of them.
It’s all easier said than done of course. We know by now that United are prone to failing to win games that they’re expected to. But it’s now the current poor run of form that’s increasing concerns for fans.
A big plus for The Red Devils is that, at Old Trafford, their form has been pretty good. They certainly seem to react to the crowd pushing them on at home and that could prove key here.
It will be interesting to see the reception that captain Harry Maguire gets. The centre back was booed by England fans during the international break, much to the annoyance of his team mates.
He could have this work cut out for him against his former side on Saturday evening, too. Even without Jamie Vardy available, Leicester still possess plenty of attacking quality.
Both of these sides like to play fluid, attacking football, but both would say their strength is in counter attacking. How that will see this game pan out is anyone’s guess, but we’re expecting goals.
The likes of Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo are more than capable of taking advantage of any mistakes. Meanwhile, James Maddison’s creative flair and excellent set piece delivery will cause problems for United’s defence.
It may well be that these two are so similar that they cancel each other out. Let’s hope that’s not the case.
Read on for our Manchester United vs Leicester predictions and best bets.
Manchester United vs Leicester Head to Head
The Foxes have become a bit of a bogey team for United in recent years. In their last five meetings, The Red Devils have just one win, with one draw, and Leicester winning three.
That sole United win came back in July 2020 and was the last time they beat Leicester. Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard were on target in a 2-0 win that day.
Five months later, the two clubs played out an epic Premier League clash at the Kingpower Stadium. After twice taking the lead, United were pegged back by the hosts in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
In March 2021, the two sides met again in the quarter finals of the FA Cup. Leicester ran out 3-1 winners that day and eventually went on to win the entire competition.
Brendan Rodgers’ men then went to Old Trafford in May and came away with all three points. Goals from Luke Thomas and Caglar Soyuncu cancelled out Mason Greenwood’s strike.
The most recent meeting came in October earlier in this current Premier League season. We were treated to a six goal thriller on that occasion, as Leicester came away the 4-2 winners.
Manchester United Team News – L W L D D
With no major injury news from the international break, United are expected to name a full strength side. That will see David de Gea retain his place in goal for the hosts.
Raphael Varane is expected to partner Harry Maguire in the heart of the defence. Alex Telles has been catching Ragnick’s eye should start at left back, with Diogo Dalot at right back.
Fred will get the nod in midfield and could be joined by the experienced Nemanja Matic. Paul Pogba arrives back from international duty with France and is likely to slot into midfield.
Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes are expected to provide the creative spark for the home side. Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the United attack.
Leicester Team News – W L L W W
Jamie Vardy is the only notable absence for the visitors here, other than that, Rodgers has a fully fit squad. Our Manchester United vs Leicester predictions expect Kasper Schmeichel to retain his place in goal.
Soyuncu will likely start at centre back and he could be partnered by Jonny Evans. The Northern Irishman got some valuable minutes under his belt during the international break.
James Justin looks to be the preferred option at right back. Timothy Castagne is expected to start the game at left back for The Foxes.
Nampalys Mendy and Youri Tielemens are likely to be the centre midfield partnership here. James Maddison and Harvey Barnes will provide the attacking width.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will play in the number ten role and provide the attacking creativity. Kelechi Iheanacho has been deputising well for Vardy upfront and is expected to continue that role here.
Manchester United vs Leicester Betting Tips
Despite not being in the best form of late, the hosts are the favourites to win this. The traders have The Red Devils priced at 8/15 in our Manchester United vs Leicester match bets.
Only two of the last ten meetings between these clubs have ended all square. However, if you think this one will end that way, you can back the draw at 10/3.
Leicester’s away form has left a lot to be desired so far this season. There’s no surprise that they’re the outsiders for this one at 4/1.
United’s home form against Leicester is very solid. They did lose the previous meeting at Old Trafford, but can get their revenge here.
