Manchester Utd vs Leicester: Will Van Nistelrooy’s return add to Amorim’s Old Trafford woe?

Manchester United state of play

Inconsistency continues to blight Manchester United’s season and Ruben Amorim is battling to turn things around at Old Trafford.

The start of 2025 actually brought about a renewed sense of optimism for United, who picked up gritty wins over Fulham in the Premier League as well as Rangers and FCSB in the Europa League. However, their recent home loss to Crystal Palace has United fans scratching their heads once more. 

Check out the best UK bookmakers to claim free bets worth up to £850!

As for the FA Cup, United have saved their best performances for this competition of late, picking up arguably their best result of the season in the last round, overcoming Arsenal on penalties. 

The holders will be targeting the famous old trophy to salvage their season once again, so this match against Leicester takes on added importance. 

Leicester state of play

For the Foxes, staying in the Premier League remains their priority this term but they will believe they have a bit of a free hit here against United. 

Much of the talk in the build-up to the game will surround Ruud van Nistelrooy, with the former United striker set to be given a warm welcome on his return to Old Trafford, but the niceties will be reserved for off the pitch. 

A 2-1 win at Tottenham in the Premier League gave Leicester fans cause for optimism but they were thumped 4-0 by Everton last time out and remain fully immersed in the relegation battle.

The FA Cup could prove to be a welcome distraction for Leicester and they will be looking to cause a seismic shock here at Old Trafford.

Key talking point: Cup competitions key for Ruben Amorim at United

FA Cup holders Manchester United won’t want to relinquish their hold on the famous old trophy, and they will want to back up their impressive win over Arsenal in the previous round here. 

Such has been the form at United this season in the Premier League, that qualifying for European competition through league standing looks to be a very unrealistic expectation, adding extra importance to this one for United.

While Leicester will have a good go in this one, all roads do point towards a home win, with United having played the Foxes at home twice already this season – bagging eight goals in the process. 

Ironically, it was Ruud van Nistelrooy at the helm for United in both of those triumphs back in the autumn of 2024 but with Leicester sure to have more than one eye on Premier League survival, United look to be firm favourites for this one.

FIRST’s top tip for Manchester United vs Leicester

These two teams have produced 10 goals in 2 games at Old Trafford already this season and United should come out on top once again.

Manchester United to win the match & both teams to score – 8/5 with BetMGM

Extra Tips

United captain Bruno Fernandes has netted three times against the Foxes already this season and he remains the hosts' biggest goal threat.

Bruno Fernandes to score anytime – 2/1 with Mr.Play

Both sides may throw some fringe players into the mix here with it being the FA Cup and goals look set to be on the agenda.

Over 2.5 goals in the game – 4/9 with Zetbet

Team news

Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out long-term with a cruciate ligament injury, but new signing Patrick Dorgu is in contention to start at left wing-back. Luke Shaw is back in training, but Mason Mount and Jonny Evans are long-term injury absentees for Manchester United and they will all miss out again here.

Leicester have some key men missing too, with Abdul Fawatu, Mats Hermansen, Ricardo and Wilfried Ndidi all injury doubts.

Manchester United vs Leicester predicted line-ups

Manchester United: Bayindir; De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Amad, Garnacho; Hojlund (3-4-2-1)

Leicester: Iversen; Justin, Faes, Coady, Kristiansen; Winks, Soumare; Ayew, Daka, El Khannouss; Vardy (4-2-3-1)

Form guide (all competitions):

Manchester United: LLLDDWLWWWL

Leicester: DLLLLLWLLWL

Odds correct at the time of writing.