It’s back to Premier League business for Man United today as they welcome Leicester to Old Trafford who are looking to cement their place in the top four, with the Foxes keen to fend off the brewing relegation battle.
Talk of taking over the club dominated Erik ten Hag’s squad build, which was bolstered by the return of Marcel Sabitzer and Lisandro Martinez with five changes to their XI. There is also the small matter of the upcoming confrontations against Barcelona in the Europa League and Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.
Today’s game should therefore give United a more comfortable exit – at least on paper. Leicester have beaten eight goals in consecutive victories with the return of James Maddison vital to their survival hopes. Follow Manchester United v Leicester live via Standard Sport’s match blog for all the developments, commentary and reaction below!
Live updates
Throwback: How Man United secured victory at the King Power
Erik ten Hag explains his selection to Sky Sports
“Harry [Maguire] is injured, you have to keep everyone fresh and also watch the opponent tactically. What they can do and where you can beat them.
“[Casemiro] is not available so we don’t pay attention to that, we know we can play a good game like against Leeds without him. So we have to.
“[Marcel] Sabitzer’s second game was better than his first game, especially without possession, and he has to get used to it. The Premier League is more difficult, but we really improved in the second game.”
Leicester unchanged
Youri Tielemans, Wilfried Ndidi and Boubakary Soumare are all fit for the bench but Brendan Rodgers remains with the XI that beat Tottenham last week.
Jadon Sancho rested
A bit of rotation from Erik ten Hag as Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane fall to the bench, giving Alejandro Garnacho and Victor Lindelof an opportunity.
Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer return from their European bans, replacing Tyrell Malacia and Casemiro with the domestically banned Brazilian midfielder.
The composition of Leicester today
Leicester XI: Room; Castagne, Faes, Souttar, Kristiansen; Mendy, Dewsbury-Hall; Head, Maddison, Barnes; Iheanacho.
submarines: Iversen, Pereira, Amartey, Ndidi, Soumare, Tielemans, Praet, Daka, Vardy.
How Man United line up
Manchester United XI: De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Shaw; Fred, Sabitzer; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst.
submarines: Heaton, Malacia, Varane, Wan-Bissaka, Mainoo, McTominay, Pellistri, Elanga, Sancho.
Here is the news from the team!
Brendan Rodgers speaks out on Man United takeover
With bidders around the world formalizing their desire to buy Manchester United, Brendan Rodgers has warned fans of the impact of the Red Devils takeover.
“When you come back, he was the richest guy in town who owned his local club and it was a big honor for him,” he told reporters.
“These times have changed. It becomes more and more difficult. For us, money can distort reality, and I think it’s important that game governance is taken care of.
“With that, I mean keeping the playing field as even as possible – otherwise it will become a top four and then a top six or seven.”
Countdown to kick off
Team news to come in the next 10 minutes or so!
Erik ten Hag talks about the role of Wout Weghorst
Wout Weghorst could feature again in the surprise attacking midfield role he was deployed to Barcelona in midweek.
Playing against Marcus Rashford proved a reasonable success for Man United and Erik ten Hag admitted he didn’t plan for such a tactical tune-up when he signed Weghorst.
“Actually, no,” he said. “The last few years he actually only played as a striker, but I know from a very long history that he can play there.
“He’s done it before. In a certain role, I think he can play very well there and we have seen it.
“I think it was quite successful, not only for him, but I think he enjoyed it there. He had an impact on the game, but for the team it was really important his role
standard Sport
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