A repeat of a memorable Carabao Cup evening awaits Ruud van Nistelrooy as his Manchester United side entertains Leicester in a Sunday Premier League fixture.
The prospect of a bittersweet afternoon is undeniable for the legendary Dutchman, with his interim managerial tenure set to end afterwards ahead of Ruben Amorim’s Monday arrival.
United remain unbeaten under his watch, winning twice and drawing once, and the Old Trafford faithful will be eager for an impressive send-off.
Amad Diallo inspired a memorable Red result agaist PAOK on Thursday, while the Foxes needed a 94th-minute Jordan Ayew goal to salvage a point at Ipswich.
Two points separate the sides after a less-than-desirable start for both, and although a win would not lift either into the top half of the table, the momentum from victory is worth gold.
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Van Nistelrooy addressed the media at Carrington ahead of his final outing, providing injury updates for several first-team stars.
Amad, superb in his Greek encounter, was withdrawn during the game – leaving a frustrating mark on an otherwise memorable evening and uncertainty regarding his availability before the international break.
“We’re still working on him, to get him ready for Sunday,” the manager confirmed. “Hopefully, it will work.
“Kobbie is also progressing in his injury, he’s making the right steps, but is not yet with the team, though. That needs a bit more time.”
Injuries plagued much of the previous campaign, with Erik ten Hag often lamenting the lack of options in his squad. Thankfully, following a worrying start to the season, several first-team stars are closing towards a return.
“I have to say, yesterday, we had a lot of benefit from Christian [Eriksen] playing 30 minutes, obviously [Manuel] Ugarte and Mason [Mount] making his first minutes again,” the interim manager stated.
“That benefited us as well. So I’m glad that they’re back and also, for a little bit longer [into the] future, good that Luke [Shaw] and Leny [Yoro] are on the pitch.”
Steve Cooper made nine alterations to his side ahead of the EFL Cup dismantling and will hope to atone for the five-goal drubbing.
He will be without Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Jakub Stolarczyk and Hamza Choudhury. But Patson Daka is deemed likely, and Jamie Vardy should return having sat out the Old Trafford demolition.
Historically, Premier League encounters have favoured the 20-time English champions, with Leicester earning three points in only two of 17 meetings.
Furthermore, Vardy and co have suffered defeat in ten of the previous 14 trips to Manchester, drawing three and winning one.
Goals have been difficult to come by for the home side recently, but they have hit the net in 28 consecutive outings against the visitors, last failing to do so in January 1998.
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