Manchester United expected squad vs Leicester City as Ruud van Nistelrooy picks youth

Ruud van Nistelrooy is expected to add multiple Academy stars to Manchester United’s squad that faces Leicester City on Wednesday evening.

Manchester United are gearing up to face Leicester City in the Carabao Cup’s fourth round, shortly after Erik ten Hag was dismissed from his role as manager.

In the interim, former United coach and Ten Hag’s assistant, Ruud van Nistelrooy, will step in to manage the squad while the club searches for a long-term successor.

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Van Nistelrooy will be in charge for the upcoming match against Leicester, though his time in the role remains uncertain due to the reportedly pending appointment of Ruben Amorim as the club’s next head coach.

United secured their place in this round after a commanding 7-0 win in the previous fixture. The Carabao Cup was notably the first trophy Ten Hag lifted with United in 2023.

Youth expected vs Leicester

Due to a mixture of the current injury news and the status of the upcoming tie, Van Nistelrooy is expected to include multiple Academy players in his squad to face Leicester.

With half an eye on the big Chelsea fixture this weekend, United will want to ensure key players are rested and ready, meaning some changes will likely occur in the XI.

Due to the lightness of the side’s midfield, with just four senior players available, Jack Fletcher could be included in the squad for his third domestic fixture in a row, although he is yet to make his debut.

An injury to Antony could well keep Ethan Wheatley in his place in the squad, and after he was granted his debut last season, he may feature off the bench.

It is also worth considering that Leicester City may also take the opportunity to rotate their XI following their 3-1 loss against Nottingham Forest, with survival in the Premier League of paramount importance.

Finally, with issues at full-back, Harry Amass could remain on the bench as an emergency option.

Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have yet to return, meaning Amass is technically the club’s most senior natural left-back available despite not playing a competitive minute for the club.

Beyond the injured players listed here, United suffered no issues against West Ham on the weekend, meaning all senior players who travelled to West Ham will likely make up the remaining spots on the team, although changes to the XI are expected.

Man United expected squad

Goalkeepers: André Onana, Altay Bayındır.
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Victor Lindelöf, Jonny Evans, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez, Harry Amass.
Midfielders: Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, Jack Fletcher.
Forwards: Rasmus Højlund, Joshua Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, Ethan Wheatley.

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