Manchester United predicted XI vs Leicester City (Premier League)

Manchester United will host Leicester at Old Trafford on Sunday in an effort to build on their ongoing successes.

Manchester United will be the serious contenders for a win because they haven’t lost at home since the first weekend of the season. One reason for this is United’s exceptional play after the World Cup, as they have only lost one of their 16 games in all competitions since club football restarted.

The first leg of Erik ten Hag‘s Europa League knockout round play-off match against La Liga leaders Barcelona finished in a majorly thrilling 2-2 tie. They still trail Manchester City and Arsenal by five points, so they can’t be fully written off just yet.

A few major changes from the team that started the game against Barcelona midweek is expected as the players will want to pick up all three points and avenge a Europa League performance which they will no doubt be disappointed by as they could’ve easily won had they finished their chances.

David De Gea is expected to start between the sticks. Despite a mediocre showing against Barcelona, there are no doubts that he will be relied upon to stop a hungry Foxes attack and prevent them from scoring goals.

At left back, Luke Shaw is expected to move back to his preferred position as he was utilised as a centre-back due to the unavailability of Lisandro Martinez against Barcelona. Tyrell Malacia could be given a start instead of Shaw but the latter’s form might just give him the edge.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka was favoured as the starting right-back against the Catalans on Thursday due to the injury issues of Diogo Dalot. But, the Portuguese defender is expected to start this game as he aims to build up his fitness.

During last weekend’s trip to Leeds United, the boss switched up his defence, starting Harry Maguire instead of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

With the second leg of their Europa League match against Barcelona coming up on Thursday, Ten Hag could decide to take a similar course of action once more but is expected to start the pairing of Rapha Varane and Lisandro Martinez as United aim to pick up all three points against a resurgent Foxes side.

Casemiro will miss Sunday’s meeting between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford as the Brazilian completes the final match of a three-match domestic suspension.

Casemiro sat out United’s two games against Leeds United last weekend because he received a straight red card for fighting against Crystal Palace at the beginning of the month.

He did play against Barcelona in the Europa League on Thursday, and he will be available to be selected when they take on Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley the following Saturday.

As a result, Marcel Sabitzer might make his third straight start after joining on loan from Bayern Munich on the final day of the season.

As Christian Eriksen & Donny van de Beek are both out long-term, and Scott McTominay could start on the bench, Ten Hag will have no doubts about whom to start against Leicester on Sunday. Fred could be given the nod alongside Sabitzer as he is the only available midfielder.

As a No. 10, there is no doubt that Bruno Fernandes starts. Given the form of the player and the lack of depth in the squad for him to be given a rest, Ten Hag will surely rely upon him to create major chances and continue him as his de facto captain.

Jadon Sancho might start once more after displaying some encouraging indications upon his comeback from a protracted layoff because Antony and Anthony Martial, who both play in the attack, are unlikely to play here as they heal from minor injuries.

Currently, Marcus Rashford is unstoppable for United thanks to his propensity for scoring critically important goals.

He contributed significantly to their four-point haul by scoring their first goal against Leeds in both league meetings. On Thursday, at Camp Nou, he scored and provided an assist as they rallied from a goal down to draw 2-2.

Up front, Wout Weghorst is expected to start as United aim to capitalise on his linkup and heading abilities.

Full predicted XI

De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Fred, Sabitzer, Fernandes, Sancho, Weghorst, Rashford.