During United’s Thursday clash, van Nistelrooy’s team initially struggled to break down PAOK’s defense. However, inspired by Amad Diallo, they found a breakthrough in the second half.
Diallo opened the scoring with a perfectly placed header and added a second, curling a shot into the far corner, channeling shades of Robben and Salah. This double extended van Nistelrooy’s unbeaten run as interim boss to three matches and gave United their first Europa League win of the season after three failed attempts.
Back in the Premier League, United are still looking to climb out of 13th place following a 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend, where a stunning Moises Caicedo volley cost them a win. Ruben Amorim, set to officially take over after the international break, will have his work cut out to turn things around, as United have managed only nine goals so far—their lowest tally at this stage since the 1973-74 season.
Meanwhile, Leicester arrive with newfound confidence after Jordan Ayew’s last-gasp goal salvaged a draw against Ipswich, ending a two-game losing streak. Sitting 15th in the table, five points above the relegation zone, Leicester can leapfrog United with a win. Their matches have been lively on the road, with goals at both ends in each of their five away games this season.
When these teams last met in the EFL Cup at Old Trafford in late October, United came out on top, scoring five in van Nistelrooy’s debut match. United have not failed to score against Leicester in a Premier League game at home since 1998, so Sunday’s matchup promises action on both ends of the pitch.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Diallo’s two goals against PAOK came with a slight downside, as the former Atalanta forward picked up a knock toward the end of the game, putting his availability against Leicester in question. He had likely hoped to start in Sunday’s match.Diallo joins Luke Shaw (calf), Harry Maguire (calf), Kobbie Mainoo (thigh), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Leny Yoro (foot) in the treatment room. While Yoro is back in training, he’ll be given the time needed to get back to full fitness. If Diallo doesn’t make it, Marcus Rashford is expected to take his place, while Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are likely to step in for Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof at center-back as Amorim prepares to introduce his 3-4-3 formation.
Leicester, on the other hand, came out of their Ipswich match without any new injuries, and there’s a small chance that Patson Daka, sidelined long-term with an ankle injury, might make his comeback. Bobby Decordova-Reid, who picked up a “nasty wound” in the EFL Cup, could also be fit. Hamza Choudhury is recovering from a shoulder issue, managed without surgery, so Jakub Stolarczyk (ankle) may be Leicester’s only absence this weekend.
It’s unclear if Ayew’s late heroics against Ipswich will earn him a starting spot, with Abdul Fatawu and Stephy Mavididi both strong options on the wing. Meanwhile, Jamie Vardy will likely lead the attack as he looks to add to his record of six goals in 18 appearances against Manchester United.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester United possible starting lineup:Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Ugarte; Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
Leicester City possible starting lineup:
Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Okoli, Kristiansen; Soumare, Winks; Fatawu, Buonanotte, Ayew; Vardy
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester United 3-2 Leicester City
However, Cooper’s side has struggled defensively away from home, which could open the door for van Nistelrooy to end his interim spell on a high note before Amorim takes over.
