Early Team News: Ruben Amorim confirms “absolutely outstanding” Man Utd star is unavailable vs Leicester City

Ruben Amorim has confirmed that one Manchester United star will be unavailable for the FA Cup clash against Leicester City.

Manchester United continue their FA Cup journey in the fourth round as they host Leicester City at Old Trafford on Friday evening.

The match marks the return of Ruud van Nistelrooy to the Theatre of Dreams, who briefly managed United for four games following Erik ten Hag’s departure.

Ruben Amorim decided against keeping the club legend in his backroom staff and the Dutchman was soon appointed as Leicester City’s manager.

United’s last FA Cup match was a thrilling encounter away to Arsenal, where the Reds emerged victorious in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in normal time.

Amorim’s side won five of their seven matches in January but are eager to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford last weekend.

Amorim confirms Bayindir is unavailable vs Leicester

This game could see the debut of Patrick Dorgu after his January transfer from Lecce, with the Danish international set to play at left wingback.

Young centre-back Ayden Heaven could also be involved after he moved from Arsenal in the mid-season window.

However, Amorim has confirmed that Altay Bayindir is not involved in the game despite shining during the third-round win over Arsenal.

The Turkish shot-stopper saved a spot-kick to keep United in the game at the Emirates Stadium before being the saviour in the penalty shootout too.

Bayindir’s performance was described as “absolutely outstanding” but he has a small injury concern that will keep him out of action against The Foxes.

“Altay, I think, he has a problem. So he is not available for the game,” the United boss told club media this week.

Amorim added: “Tom [Heaton] is also not for this game but he can play the other ones [in the future]. So the rest are ready. The important thing is we are ready to face the game.”

André Onana is set to start for the Reds on Friday evening and it is also likely that young shot-stopper Elyh Harrison is in the squad.

Harrison was recalled from his loan at Chester last month and will spend the rest of the season at United, getting experience by regularly training with Amorim’s first-team squad.

The 18-year-old was named on the bench for the game against Crystal Palace and will be hoping to continue getting those experiences.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Wednesday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.