Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag expected to make five changes for Leicester Premier League clash
Due to a busy schedule of matches, Manchester United is anticipated to make up to five alterations to their starting lineup for their upcoming Premier League match against Leicester on Sunday.
In a previous game against the same opponents, the Red Devils won 1-0 with Jadon Sancho scoring the solitary goal.
SportsDias is now examining the expected lineup of Erik ten Hag’s team for the Old Trafford match.
Goalkeeper: De Gea
It would be quite unexpected for Manchester United to replace David De Gea as the starting goalkeeper. Although the Spanish player had some difficulties earlier in the season, which resulted in costly errors and defeats to Brighton and Brentford, he has been performing consistently since then.
De Gea’s commendable performance was evident once more in United’s recent Europa League match against Barcelona, in which they secured a 2-2 draw. Therefore, it is unlikely that Tom Heaton or Jack Butland would take De Gea’s place in the team on Sunday.
Defence: Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw
Based on Lisandro Martinez’s impressive performances this season, it is likely that the Argentine player will replace Tyrell Malacia in the team. As a result, Luke Shaw would shift back to playing as the left-back.
Additionally, Manchester United could potentially make two other changes in defense to prepare for their match against Brendan Rodgers’ team. Diogo Dalot may be chosen over Aaron Wan-Bissaka as he offers more attacking capabilities, which was the reason why he was benched in the recent draw against Barcelona due to defensive concerns.
Furthermore, given United’s cautious approach towards Raphael Varane’s game time, it is possible that Harry Maguire could take his place in the team.
Midfield: Sabitzer, Fred, Weghorst
Although Casemiro performed admirably against Barcelona, bringing some crucial toughness to the midfield, the Brazilian player is currently suspended for domestic games due to his red card against Crystal Palace earlier this month.
As a result, Marcel Sabitzer is likely to pair up with Fred. Additionally, United is expected to continue experimenting with Wout Weghorst in the No. 10 role, despite him being a natural striker. Weghorst has played in that position in recent matches against Barcelona and Leeds.
Forwards: Fernandes, Rashford, Garnacho
As Wout Weghorst is currently occupying the No. 10 position, Bruno Fernandes has been deployed in a wide role. It is possible that Erik ten Hag will continue with this experiment as Manchester United aims to secure another three points.
Given Marcus Rashford’s impressive goal-scoring form this season, with 22 goals across all competitions, he could potentially be used as the striker while Weghorst plays further back.
Jadon Sancho is still gradually returning to full fitness, and as a result, Alejandro Garnacho is expected to start on the left of United’s attack.
Full XI: De Gea, Dalot, Martinez, Maguire, Shaw, Sabitzer, Fred, Weghorst, Fernandes, Rashford, Garnacho
Ten Hag shuts down title talk
Before the match against Leicester, Erik ten Hag dismissed any speculation regarding Manchester United’s chances of winning the Premier League title.
“We don’t think about that so far,” he stated.
“What we have to do is to put us, in April, in the right position, so our thinking can only be on the next game.
“We always have to better than the previous game and think about it game by game – that is where our energy and focus is.
“It means that we have to win on Sunday and we have to collect the three points against Leicester and that demands a lot of energy and it demands high standards.”
Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag expected to make five changes for Leicester Premier League clash
