Manchester United v Leicester City: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Ruud van Nistelrooy was Manchester United's manager when they thumped Leicester City twice at Old Trafford in the autumn.

Now he returns to the Theatre of Dreams, this time in charge of the Foxes, and he will be determined his current side avoid a hat-trick of defeats at his old stomping ground.

Manchester United v Leicester City betting tips and predictions

Manchester United to win and both teams to score - 13/8

There aren't many teams that Manchester United would be confident of playing right now, but Leicester definitely fit the bill.

United have already faced Leicester twice at Old Trafford this season, thrashing them 5-2 in the EFL Cup at the end of October and 3-0 in the Premier League two weeks later.

Ruud van Nistelrooy was in charge of United each time as he kept the hot seat warm for Ruben Amorim, who arrived in Manchester immediately after the second of those wins over the Foxes.

Van Nistelrooy's return adds another twist to a fixture that is fascinating on so many levels.

This does look a good game for United to win, if only because it's a cup tie and that seems to be where they produce their best form - or at least produce their best results.

Since winning the FA Cup final in May, United have played 13 cup games, including the Community Shield. They have won seven of those ties, drawn five and lost just one, a fun-packed 4-3 reverse at Tottenham in the EFL Cup.

They haven't won back-to-back Premier League games since the opening weekend of this season and continue to throw up underwhelming performances and unimpressive results in the league. Last week's 2-0 home loss to Crystal Palace was just the latest to add to the list, a result that leaves them 13th in the table and well aware that any return to Europe in 2025/26 is almost certainly going to have to be secured via a cup win.

To that end, Amorim will select the strongest possible side, minus their latest injury victim, Lisandro Martinez. The Portuguese also has a new addition in Patrick Dorgu, a wing-back signed specifically to fit into Amorim's chosen 3-4-3 shape. It would be a surprise, therefore, if the Danish 20-year-old doesn't make his debut.

For Leicester, the season wasn't going well under Steve Cooper and hasn't improved under Van Nistelrooy, though he still seems to have the support of the terraces.

After beating West Ham 3-1 and drawing 2-2 with Brighton in his first two games, Leicester have played 10 matches and lost eight of them.

Van Nistelrooy isn't just crying out for a first clean sheet; he would happily settle for just conceding one. They have conceded at least two goals in 10 of their last 11 culminating in last weekend's dismal 4-0 thumping at Everton.

United get to flex their muscles here and should win it, but in an open game expect goals at both ends.

Bruno Fernandes over 67.5 passes - 6/4

It has been an eventful season for United star Bruno Fernandes, a season which has seen him receive three red cards (one of which was rescinded) and continue to divide opinions over his effort and leadership.

Indeed, he also couldn't buy a goal at the start of the season and had to wait until Friday's visitors Leicester arrived in Manchester at the end of October in the EFL Cup to open his account.

He scored twice in that 5-2 win and has added another seven goals since, including another one against Leicester.

Playing in a deeper midfield role now, Fernandes may have fewer scoring opportunities but he will still pull the strings and that means racking up a huge number of passes.

Last weekend in the No.8 role the Portuguese schemer totalled 100 passes in the 2-0 loss against Crystal Palace.

Leicester average 42 percent possession away from home in the league - that's less than Palace - so expect Fernandes to soar over 67.5 passes.

Man United under 6.5 corners - 5/6

United chalked up 11 corners at home to Crystal Palace last week, but that was out of character.

Behind after 64 minutes, United threw the kitchen sink at the Eagles and were rewarded with a one-sided corner count but no points.

In fact, they are averaging 5.5 corners per home game and if they take control of this game early and go ahead, there should be no need to go chasing.

A home corner tally of 6.5 looks on the high side.

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Manchester United v Leicester City odds

Manchester United - 1/3
Draw - 19/4
Leicester City - 13/2

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.