The FA Cup fourth round live is bringing a bit of nostalgia to Old Trafford as former Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy returns, this time leading Leicester City against his old club.
With United looking to secure a spot in the last 16 and Leicester seeking an upset, this is more than just a regular cup tie.
Manchester United vs Leicester City LIVE Blog
When and Where to Watch
The match kicks off at 20:00 GMT on Friday, February 7. Fans in the UK can catch it live on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and the STV Player. For those looking for in-depth analysis, MUTV will provide extensive pre-match coverage and post-game reactions.
Team News
United’s new signing Patrick Dorgu is set to make his full debut, while Ayden Heaven is available on the bench. The biggest concern, however, is Lisandro Martinez, who was stretchered off in the last game against Crystal Palace. With Martinez potentially sidelined, Victor Lindelof and Heaven could step up in his absence.
Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia and Marcus Rashford have been loaned to PSV Eindhoven and Aston Villa respectively, shaking up the squad dynamics.
For Leicester, Wilfred Ndidi is back after a hamstring injury, but they will still miss Abdul Fatawu and Ricardo Pereira due to long-term injuries.
Recent Meetings
United and Leicester have already clashed twice this season, with United winning both encounters. The first was a 5-2 triumph in the Carabao Cup, where Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro ran riot. The second was a 3-0 Premier League victory that saw Fernandes once again deliver a match-winning performance.
Their last FA Cup meeting, however, tells a different story. Back in 2021, Leicester knocked United out of the competition with a 3-1 win, en route to their first FA Cup triumph. Can United get their revenge?
United’s FA Cup Journey So Far
United made it to the fourth round after a thrilling penalty shootout victory against Arsenal at the Emirates. Despite going down to 10 men after Diogo Dalot was sent off, they held on to force penalties. Kai Havertz missed for Arsenal, while Josh Zirkzee sealed the win for United.
Leicester’s Route to the Fourth Round
The Foxes had a far easier third-round outing, demolishing Queens Park Rangers 6-2. Right-back James Justin bagged a brace as Leicester dominated the second half.
Confirmed Lineups
Manchester United
Starting XI: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Mazraoui; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Amad, Mainoo; Hojlund.
Bench: Graczyk, Lindelof, De Ligt, Heaven, Casemiro, Eriksen, Collyer, Garnacho, Zirkzee.
Leicester City
Leicester City’s XI: Mads Hermansen, James Justin, Caleb Okoli, Wout Faes, Luke Thomas, Wilfred Ndidi (c), Boubakary Soumaré, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Bilal El Khannouss, Jordan Ayew, Patson Daka
Subs: Jakub Stolarczyk, Conor Coady, Harry Winks, Stephy Mavididi, Oliver Skipp, Woyo Coulibaly, Kasey McAteer, Facundo Buonanotte, Jeremy Monga
What’s at Stake?
For United, it’s about momentum. A win here would not only secure their place in the next round but also restore confidence after their recent league struggles.
For Leicester, a victory would be a statement of intent. Ruud van Nistelrooy would love nothing more than to eliminate his former club and prove himself as a top-tier manager.
Prediction
United are the favorites, but the FA Cup loves an upset. Expect Leicester to put up a fight, but United’s attacking firepower should be enough to get the job done.
Final Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Leicester City
With an FA Cup spot on the line and van Nistelrooy’s emotional return to Old Trafford, this clash has all the ingredients for an electrifying encounter. Whether it’s a Fernandes masterclass or a Leicester giant-killing, expect drama under the Friday night lights.
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