For the second time this season, Manchester United will lock horns with Leicester City in a cup competition, but this time, former Red Devils legend Ruud van Nistelrooy will be in the opposition dugout as he leads the Foxes into this crucial fourth-round clash.
It has been a turbulent period for Manchester United since the arrival of Ruben Amorim. While there have been glimpses of promise, consistency has eluded them, making for a challenging couple of months. However, their focus remains sharp in the cup.
United head into this fixture after a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford last weekend, where a second-half brace from Jean-Philippe Mateta sealed their fate. That loss means the Red Devils have won just eight of their last 19 matches across all competitions since Amorim took charge during the November international break.
Meanwhile, Leicester City initially enjoyed a brief resurgence under Van Nistelrooy, who took over in early December. However, their momentum quickly faded as they suffered seven consecutive Premier League defeats before stunning Tottenham Hotspur with a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 victory a fortnight ago.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t build on that success and were handed a 4-0 thrashing by Everton at Goodison Park last weekend.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Man United vs. Leicester live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this FA Cup match in the U.S.:
- TV channel: —
- Live stream: ESPN+
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the United States. Streaming options are available on ESPN+.
You can get an ESPN+ subscription for $11.99 per month or purchase an annual plan for $119.99 per year, a $24 savings. Stream your favorite teams live and enjoy more sports anywhere with an ESPN+ subscription.
What time does Man United vs. Leicester kick off?
This FA Cup clash takes place at the Old Trafford in Manchester, England and kicks off on Friday, February 7 at 8 p.m. local time (GMT).
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Fri, Feb. 7 | 3 p.m. |
| Central Time | Fri, Feb. 7 | 2 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Fri, Feb. 7 | 1 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Fri, Feb. 7 | 12 p.m. |
Man United vs. Leicester predicted lineups, team news
United boss Ruben Amorim could hand a debut to new signing Patrick Dorgu, who was presented to fans at Old Trafford prior to the loss to Palace. Diogo Dalot‘s one-game ban for his red card in the third round was served in the league win over Southampton, so he is clear to play.
Altay Bayindir may keep his place in goal after his heroics against Arsenal in the last round. Toby Collyer could also get a start in midfield. The Kobbie Mainoo No. 9 experiment is unlikely to be repeated in attack.
Luke Shaw is an option to replace the injured Lisandro Martinez in defence, but if he is not yet ready to start a game, Victor Lindelof or Matthijs de Ligt will likely deputise, meaning Leny Yoro will start on the right.
Man United predicted lineup (3-4-2-1, right to left): Bayindir (GK) — Yoro, Maguire, De Ligt — Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu — Amad Diallo, Mainoo — Zirkzee.
Injured: Martinez (knee), Shaw (undisc. doubt), Mount (thigh), Evans (muscle)
Suspended: None
Wilfred Ndidi is working his way back to full fitness and could at least make the matchday squad for this visit to Old Trafford. Ricardo Pereira is not likely to return until later this month, and Issahaku Fatawu will not be back this season.
Woyo Coulibaly might get his first start for the club, but it remains to be seen how much Van Nistelrooy will rotate his side. Striking a balance between keeping his players fresh for the relegation fight while not giving up the chance of an FA Cup run will be difficult.
Leicester City predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Hermansen (GK) — Coulibaly, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen — Winks, Soumare — Ayew, El Khannouss, Mavididi — Vardy.
Injured: Fatawu (knee), Pereira (thigh), Ndidi (thigh, doubt)
Suspended: None
Man United vs. Leicester Prediction
Manchester United will be looking for another dominant display when they host Leicester, having already secured two convincing home wins over them this season. Their struggles under Ruben Amorim have been evident, but this fixture could provide a much-needed opportunity to steady the ship.
Meanwhile, Leicester’s new boss, Ruud van Nistelrooy, is no stranger to this challenge—ironically, he orchestrated both of those previous defeats against United earlier in the campaign. However, replicating that success with his current squad seems far less likely, especially given their underwhelming showing at Everton.
- Prediction: Man United 3-1 Leicester
FA Cup fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Friday, February 7
- Manchester United vs. Leicester City (3:00 p.m.)
Saturday, February 8
- Leeds United vs. Millwall (7:15 a.m.)
- Leyton Orient vs. Manchester City (7:15 a.m.)
- Coventry City vs. Ipswich Town (10:00 a.m.)
- Everton vs. AFC Bournemouth (10:00 a.m.)
- Preston North End vs. Wycombe Wanderers (10:00 a.m.)
- Southampton vs. Burnley (10:00 a.m.)
- Stoke City vs. Cardiff City (10:00 a.m.)
- Wigan Athletic vs. Fulham (10:00 a.m.)
- Birmingham City vs. Newcastle United (12:45 p.m.)
- Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Chelsea (3:00 p.m.)
Sunday, February 9
- Blackburn Rovers vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (7:30 a.m.)
- Plymouth Argyle vs. Liverpool (10:00 a.m.)
- Aston Villa vs. Tottenham Hotspur (12:35 p.m.)
