Ruud van Nistelrooy’s brief tenure as interim manager has largely been about steadying the ship and impressing the incoming Ruben Amorim enough to be retained as part of the Old Trafford coaching staff. The results have picked up with a win in the Carabao Cup, a long-awaited win in Europe and a creditable draw against Chelsea in the league.
Perhaps inevitably, the patterns of play haven’t changed all that much. United have looked far from convincing in their last two matches but secured results that were sorely needed. In truth, this entire period feels like that strange interlude between Christmas and New Year as the United supporters eagerly await the arrival of Amorim with the advent of the international break.
As luck would have it, Van Nistelrooy’s last game in temporary charge of United will be against the same opponents as his first match in the dugout. On that occasion, at the end of October, the players responded to the departure of Erik ten Hag with a resounding 5-2 win at Old Trafford including a brace apiece for both Casemiro and captain Bruno Fernandes. The United legend will hope he can round out his time in charge by repeating the trick.
Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia are still sidelined for the hosts although Leny Yoro is edging closer to a return and there is a possibility Kobbie Mainoo will be involved. The visitors will be without Patson Daka and injured goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk.
An away win would actually put Leicester above United in the table after 11 games. That’s not to mention the fact that Leicester have won the league more recently than their venerated opponents. United could do with a win and at least leave the new man in a position that means a top four position is not totally beyond the realm of possibility.
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Manchester United vs Leicester City odds
Venue: Old Trafford — Manchester
Time: 2 p.m. GMT (9 a.m. ET), Sunday
Form guide (league only)
Manchester United: 3-3-4, 12 points (13th); D-L-W-D-L
Leicester City: 2-4-4, 10 points (15th); D-L-W-W-L
Match prediction
Manchester United 3-0 Leicester
The players and fans will be up for this and hoping to give Van Nistelrooy a fitting final game in charge. Having trounced these opponents on this ground just last week, United will be hopeful the Dutchman’s time in charge will end with three wins and a draw against Chelsea. Leicester will be out to spoil the party but the hosts should be too strong in their final fixture before the dawn of the Amorim era. United have managed a couple of comfortable enough wins during this interlude so let’s go with another here.
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(Photo of Ruud van Nistelrooy: Carl Recine / Getty Images)
