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How to watch and follow United v Leicester
Wednesday 05 February 2025 12:30
Ruud van Nistelrooy will return to Old Trafford on Friday, as his Leicester City side provide the opposition in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup.
The United legend was, of course, our caretaker boss in the autumn, guiding the Reds to two victories over the East Midlanders.
Now he’s back in the opposite dugout and Ruben Amorim is the man in charge at Old Trafford, as we look to become the first side to confirm a spot in the last 16.
Here’s the lowdown ahead of Friday’s 20:00 GMT start…
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HOW TO WATCH AND FOLLOW
United v Leicester will be shown live on ITV1, STV, ITVX and the STV Player in the UK.
As usual, MUTV will have full coverage of the build-up and the aftermath from pitchside and the Old Trafford studio, so join us from 18:55 GMT.
The United App is the place to go for in-game stats, live radio commentary and more, while we’ll have highlights across our platforms from midday on Saturday.
TEAM NEWS
Patrick Dorgu could be in line for a debut, after signing a five-year contract last weekend. The former Lecce defender can play in a variety of roles, including left wing-back.
We still await an update on Lisandro Martinez, who was stretchered off with an apparent knee injury, during the second half of our defeat to Crystal Palace. The Argentina international has started all but three of Amorim’s 19 games in charge, primarily as the left-sided centre-back.
Victor Lindelof is available again after injury, while Ayden Heaven joined from Arsenal last week and both could fulfil Martinez’s role. Luke Shaw has been training in recent weeks, but Jonny Evans and Mason Mount have been sidelined.
Tyrell Malacia and Marcus Rashford have joined PSV Eindhoven and Aston Villa respectively, on loan until the end of the season.
The Foxes are without long-term absentees Abdul Fatawu and Ricardo Pereira, but Wilfred Ndidi could be in line for a first appearance since December, after recovering from a hamstring problem.
RECENT MEETINGS
The Foxes have twice come away from M16 bruised this season, with United prevailing 5-2 in the Carabao Cup fourth-round meeting in late October.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes bagged braces that night, as van Nistelrooy took charge for the first of four fixtures prior to Amorim’s arrival.
After two more home games – a 1-1 draw against Chelsea and a 2-0 success over Greek side PAOK – Ruud took on Leicester again and Fernandes was again the star man as we came out on top, 3-0, in the Premier League.
Leicester were the victors in the most recent FA Cup meeting, back in 2021. Kelechi Iheanacho (x2) and Youri Tielemans scored in the quarter-final as Brendan Rodgers’ side edged closer to their maiden cup triumph.
Strangely enough, the two sides have never met at the Theatre of Dreams before in this competition, with the other two clashes coming at the old Wembley, for 1963’s final – won 3-1 by United – and Filbert Street, where Lou Macari and Gerry Daly settled a fifth-round tie in 1976.
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THE PREVIOUS ROUND
Holders United have already vanquished Premier League opposition, eliminating Arsenal in January on penalties, at the Emirates Stadium. After Fernandes curled us into the lead, Diogo Dalot was sent off and Gabriel equalised.
Martin Odegaard spurned the chance to give the Gunners the advantage from the spot and a marvellous rearguard action from the 10-man Reds eventually forced the shootout. Kai Havertz saw his effort saved by Altay Bayindir, and Josh Zirkzee successfully converted to put the Reds through.
Leicester enjoyed a rather more serene third-round outing, thrashing Queens Park Rangers 6-2 at the King Power Stadium. Right-back James Justin scored twice as the Foxes pulled away in the second half, scoring their last three goals without reply.
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FOURTH-ROUND FIXTURES
FRIDAY 7 FEBRUARY
UNITED v Leicester (20:00)
SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY
Leeds v Millwall (12:15)
Leyton Orient v Manchester City (12:15)
Coventry v Ipswich
Everton v Bournemouth
Preston v Wycombe
Southampton v Burnley
Stoke v Cardiff
Wigan v Fulham
Birmingham v Newcastle (17:45)
Brighton v Chelsea (20:00)
SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY
Blackburn v Wolves (12:30)
Plymouth v Liverpool
Aston Villa v Tottenham (17:35)
MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY
Doncaster v Crystal Palace (19:45)
TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY
Exeter v Nottingham Forest (20:00)
All kick-off times in GMT and at 15:00, unless stated.
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Wednesday 05 February 2025 12:30
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