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Match Preview: Manchester United vs Leicester City FA Cup

This Friday, Old Trafford will welcome back a familiar face as Ruud van Nistelrooy returns to the Theatre of Dreams, this time in the dugout as manager of Leicester City. The Manchester United legend, who briefly served as the club’s caretaker boss earlier this season, will lead his Foxes side against the Red Devils in a highly anticipated Emirates FA Cup fourth-round tie.

Ruud van Nistelrooy Returns to Old Trafford as Leicester City Face United in FA Cup Clash

Kicking off at 20:00 GMT, the match promises to be a fascinating encounter as Ruben Amorim’s United look to secure their place in the last 16 of the competition. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the clash.

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A Legend Returns

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s return to Old Trafford is sure to evoke fond memories for United fans. The Dutch striker, who scored 150 goals in 219 appearances for the club between 2001 and 2006, is revered as one of the greatest forwards in United’s history. His brief stint as caretaker manager earlier this season saw him guide the Reds to two victories over Leicester, including a 3-0 Premier League win in which Bruno Fernandes shone as the star performer.

Now, van Nistelrooy finds himself in the opposition dugout, tasked with masterminding a Leicester victory against his former club. The emotional subplot adds an extra layer of intrigue to what is already a compelling FA Cup tie.

How to Watch and Follow

For fans in the UK, the match will be broadcast live on ITV1 and streaming on ITVX.

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Team News: New Signings and Injury Updates

Ruben Amorim could hand a debut to new signing Patrick Dorgu, the Danish wing-back who joined from Lecce last weekend. Dorgu’s versatility, including his ability to play as a left wing-back, makes him a valuable addition to the squad.

However, United will be sweating on the fitness of Lisandro Martínez, who was stretchered off with a knee injury during the recent defeat to Crystal Palace. The Argentine defender has been a mainstay in Amorim’s side, starting 16 of the manager’s 19 games in charge. Victor Lindelöf and new recruit Ayden Heaven, signed from Arsenal last week, are both available and could step in to fill the void left by Martínez.

Luke Shaw has been training in recent weeks and could feature, but Jonny Evans and Mason Mount remain sidelined. Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia and Marcus Rashford have departed on loan to PSV Eindhoven and Aston Villa, respectively, for the remainder of the season.

For Leicester, long-term absentees Abdul Fatawu and Ricardo Pereira remain unavailable, but Wilfred Ndidi could make his first appearance since December after recovering from a hamstring injury.

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Recent Meetings: A Mixed Bag

The two sides have already met twice this season, with United coming out on top on both occasions. In late October, the Reds secured a thrilling 5-2 victory in the Carabao Cup fourth round, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes each scoring twice. Van Nistelrooy’s side also fell to a 3-0 defeat in the Premier League, with Fernandes once again the standout performer.

However, Leicester have had the upper hand in recent FA Cup encounters. The Foxes emerged victorious in the 2021 quarter-final, with Kelechi Iheanacho (twice) and Youri Tielemans scoring in a 3-1 win that propelled them towards their first-ever FA Cup triumph.

Interestingly, this will be the first time the two sides have met at Old Trafford in the FA Cup. Their previous encounters in the competition took place at the old Wembley Stadium, where United won the 1963 final 3-1, and at Filbert Street, where Lou Macari and Gerry Daly secured a 2-1 fifth-round victory for the Reds in 1976.

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The Road to the Fourth Round

United, the current holders of the FA Cup, navigated a tough third-round tie against Arsenal to reach this stage. After Bruno Fernandes gave the Reds the lead at the Emirates, Diogo Dalot was sent off, and Gabriel equalised for the Gunners. A resilient defensive display from the 10-man Reds forced a penalty shootout, where Altay Bayindir’s save from Kai Havertz and Josh Zirkzee’s successful spot-kick sealed United’s progression.

Leicester, meanwhile, enjoyed a more straightforward third-round outing, thrashing Queens Park Rangers 6-2 at the King Power Stadium. Right-back James Justin scored twice as the Foxes dominated the second half, scoring three unanswered goals to secure their place in the fourth round.

What to Expect

Friday’s match promises to be a captivating contest, with both sides eager to advance in the competition. For United, the focus will be on maintaining their strong home form and continuing their defence of the FA Cup. Amorim’s side will look to exploit Leicester’s defensive vulnerabilities while relying on the creativity of Bruno Fernandes and the attacking threat of Amad Diallo.

For Leicester, van Nistelrooy will be determined to outwit his former club and secure a statement victory.

Final Thoughts

As Ruud van Nistelrooy returns to Old Trafford, the stage is set for a memorable FA Cup clash. Whether it’s the emotional reunion, the tactical battle between Amorim and van Nistelrooy, or the sheer drama of knockout football, this match has all the ingredients to be a classic.

Stay tuned to The RedMancunian for live updates, analysis, and post-match reaction as Manchester United aim to take another step towards retaining the FA Cup. Let’s hope the Theatre of Dreams delivers another night to remember!

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By RedManc

RedMancunian is the number one source for Manchester United news, insight and opinion on the most successful football club in the English top flight. RedMancunian was founded at the end of the 2011/2012 football season. We hope to provide insight on football matters related to Manchester United and provides a sense of what the club was and is all about. Follow RedMancunian on Twitter - @RedMancunian