There is still football to be played in the midst of Manchester United’s management search. The start of the Carabao Cup has received little to no notice since Manchester United fired Erik ten Hag on Monday.
With a spot in the quarterfinals up for grabs, Manchester United will play Leicester City at Old Trafford in the fourth round. Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was named temporary manager on Monday, will be the man in the dugout against the Foxes. Van Nistelrooy is a legend at United, and this Carabao Cup match might be his only opportunity to lead the Red Devils.
When United can formally appoint Ruben Amorim will determine this, as the Sporting Lisbon manager is anticipated to take over later this week, but there may be some complications.
How Manchester United and Leicester might line up
Van Nistelrooy will have trained on Monday and Tuesday in order to be ready for Wednesday night amid all of the managerial discussions. Ten Hag’s team will probably make some adjustments, one of which will be a formation shift to more closely resemble the 4-3-3 that Van Nistelrooy frequently preferred at PSV.
In light of that, this is how we think Van Nistelrooy will arrange his squad to play Leicester City.
Bayindir Altay
Van Nistelrooy is probably focused on making a statement and winning, even though he might want to give Altay Bayindir some well-earned minutes. In goal, there is typically no discussion about Andre Onana, and that is still the case today.
Diogo Dalot
Diogo Dalot should start at right-back after Noussair Mazraoui suffered an injury against West Ham. Amorim, who will undoubtedly be observing with interest, will have the opportunity to be impressed by Dalot.
Victor Lindelof
We believe Matthijs de Ligt will be rested for Victor Lindelof, so even if he will be furious over the penalty ruling against him on Sunday, he won’t get to make up for it here.
Lisandro Martinez
Given the current lack of options in central defence, we anticipate Lisandro Martinez to partner Lindelof.
Harry Amass
Since the left back needs a player with left feet, our first major prediction is Harry Amass’s debut. Amass merits the opportunity despite worries about his physicality, particularly because Mazraoui may be sidelined. Ruud would also establish himself by making his academy debut in the first game.
Manuel Ugarte
As Van Nistelrooy establishes himself, we completely anticipate that Manuel Ugarte will begin in the base of the midfield, which is a completely different position than Ten Hag’s. Amorim’s arrival is probably going to benefit Ugarte.
Christian Eriksen
With Kobbie Mainoo, Dan Gore, and Toby Collyer sidelined, there aren’t many choices in midfield, thus Christian Eriksen should start again.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes will probably start again in midfield as well, hoping to guide United into the future and prove to Amorim that he is a vital member.
Amad Diallo
We anticipate that Amad Diallo will start on the right against Leicester because we all watched the videos of his frustrations against Porto, where Van Nistelrooy even consoled him at one point.
Joshua Zirkzee
Although it wouldn’t be shocking to see Van Nistelrooy employ the kids up front at some point, Joshua Zirkzee ought to start because he has already contributed two assists in two games.
Marcus Rashford
Van Nistelrooy, a devoted supporter of the United No. 10, will be eager to get back among the goals and win Amorim over early. On the left, Marcus Rashford starts ahead of Alejandro Garnacho.