There are some mouth-watering clashes in the sixth week of the Premier League, and one of them being Manchester United vs Leicester City at Old Trafford on Friday. The Red Devils are the most successful team in Premier League history, while Foxes are the defending champions. Can the PL get any better than this?
Both the teams have not produced results as they would have liked in their first five matches. Manchester United, after a brilliant start, winning three out of three, have been below par. They lost against a brilliant Manchester City, but their second loss against Watford was a major shock, that too, with an incredible scoreline of 1-3.
Jose Mourinho and his United might be low on confidence as they have lost three of their last four matches, which is unheard for a team managed by the Portuguese. However, Manchester United will be keen to use their last win against Northampton Town in the EFL Cup as an inspiration to defeat Leicester City.
For this all-important clash, Wayne Rooney is the centre of attention, and it remains to be seen if the forward will be dropped to the bench by Mourinho. If he gets a starting place, Rooney, who has been at the receiving end of critics, will have to turn up the heat against the defending champions. A quality performance will not only silence his critics, but also cement his place for some more matches, at least.
However, Mourinho will need his key players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pobga to fire on all cylinder in this clash. Besides the duo, all the players have to shine against Leicester City and prove that they are a world-class team, and have moved on from those defeats. United currently lie seventh in the PL standings, and a victory can push them higher in the table. Leicester, likewise, are in the 11th place, will aim for the same with three points.
Leicester City won the title last season with their highly impressive duo of Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vadrdy troubling teams all across the competition. The club did an amazing job to retain the players despite other teams showing interest, but they could not stop N'Golo Kante leave as he joined Chelsea.
Without Kante in midfield to stop attacks, Leicester have been found wanting a number of times, and teams have exploited it. Leicester have not been impressive this season with two losses already, same as United.
There is a serious need for the champions to get their game right against a club, which is keen to take three points from the home fixture. Leicester come into this clash with a win under their belt in the PL as they defeated Burnley. Leicester are nowhere the team which helped them win the title, but make no mistake, they are still a side capable of defeating any team in the competition.
Manchester United vs Leicester City schedule
Date: September 24
Venue: Old Trafford
Time: 5 pm IST (12:30 pm BST, 7:30 am ET)
TV listings: India: Star Sports 4/HD. UK: Sky Sports. US: NBSC Sports. African countries: Supersport 3. Canada: TSN 4. Australia: Optus Sport.
