A place in the fifth round of the world's oldest cup competition awaits the winner of this clash between two teams who desperately need a morale boost.
Ruben Amorim's reign at Man United has not gone quite as planned. As he struggles to get a tune out of the haphazard resources at his disposal, the Portuguese has overseen a drop to ever deeper lows than his predecessor Erik ten Hag had. Two wins in eight games leave them languishing 13th in the Premier League with only the FA Cup and Europa League left to play for.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has also failed to make a difference at Leicester City. The Foxes' goals and budget are very different from those of the Red Devils. Avoiding relegation at all costs would suffice, but one win in ten league games has left them two points from safety and in real danger of the drop. A famous win away at Old Trafford could be a turning point for their whole season and lift the camp.
Manchester United vs Leicester City Team News
United fans were devastated to learn of the ACL tear suffered by Lisandro Martinez last time out against Crystal Palace. That injury rules the centre-back out for the season. He heads to the treatment room, where Jonny Evans, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw are waiting.
The visitors are without Abdul Fatawu and Ricardo Pereira for the long haul, while Wilfred Ndidi could return to the matchday squad as he nears fitness but will probably be out also.
Manchester United vs Leicester City Possible Lineups
Ruben Amorim had his wish granted when Marcus Rashford secured a deadline-day loan move to Aston Villa. Tyrell Malacia also left the club on loan to return to the Netherlands and join PSV Eindhoven for the rest of the season.
Patrick Dorgu arrives from Lecce and could make his debut in the heart of defence, especially given the absence of Martinez. With the Kobbie Mainoo false-9 experiment not working, Amorim will likely opt for Zirkzee or Hojlund to lead the line.
Man United Predicted Lineup (3-4-3): Bayindir; Dorgu, de Ligt, Yoro; Mazraoui, Mainoo, Fernandes, Dalot; Diallo, Zirkzee, Garnacho
With a week off until their next game, Ruud van Nistelrooy surely won't feel the need to rotate too much from his strongest X1. The added incentive of getting one over on his old club will also surely fire him up to pick the team most capable of pulling off an upset.
Leicester Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Stolarczyk, Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Skipp, Soumare; Ayew, Buonanotte, Mavididi; Vardy
Manchester United vs Leicester City Prediction
Ruud van Nistelrooy achieved the same number of wins at Old Trafford (3) during his two-week stint as Man United caretaker as he has done during months as Leicester head coach. Perhaps 'The Theatre of Dreams' is lucky for the Dutchman. A mini-surprise away win for The Foxes, with Jamie Vardy playing pantomime villain could be on the cards tonight.
Prediction: Man United 1 - 2 Leicester
The magic of the FA Cup returns and this is a great way to kick off a bumper weekend of fixtures. Football fans will be keen to enjoy some Friday night football from Old Trafford.
Fans in the UK can watch Man United vs Leicester completely free on ITV or via live streaming on ITVX.
