Team news for Leicester encounter

Friday 08 November 2024 13:30

Ruud van Nistelrooy has provided an update on his squad, ahead of the final game of his interim spell in charge of Manchester United, against Leicester City.

Sunday's 14:00 GMT kick-off at Old Trafford precedes the international break and the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim.

Ruud addressed the press at Carrington and discussed Amad, who was withdrawn during the 2-0 victory over PAOK in the Europa League, after scoring both goals in the second half.

There is also encouraging news on Kobbie Mainoo, as the midfield options are increasing on the back of Thursday's triumph.

Part one: Press conference v Leicester Video

Part one: Press conference v Leicester

Press conference part one | You aren’t ready for Sunday’s game until you’ve seen Ruud’s final pre-match briefing…

"Amad was assessed," declared van Nistelrooy. "We're still working on him, to get him ready for Sunday. 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.

"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.

"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."

Harry Maguire remains sidelined and misses a reunion with his former club.

LEICESTER'S TEAM NEWS

The Foxes could be without Jakub Stolarczyk, Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Hamza Choudhury but Patson Daka might be available. Evergreen centre-forward Jamie Vardy should feature after not appearing in the recent Carabao Cup tie against United, while Jordan Ayew is reportedly pushing to start.

Steve Cooper looks certain to field a very different line-up to the one that lost 5-2 at Old Trafford on 30 October.

"It was a League Cup game and now it’s in the league," the Foxes boss said at his press conference on Friday. "They’ve got a few players back and that makes a difference. Whenever you play Man United, home or away, you come up against a team with talented players and you have to be mindful of that. We’re looking forward to going there again.

"Bobby missed Ipswich and still hasn’t returned to the grass. He picked up a nasty wound in the cup game. It’s on his Achilles, in an awkward position, as it keeps opening up. We’re hoping that heals quickly.

"He [Daka] is an asset for the team and it’s great to have him back. He’s a good guy who has certain attributes. He’ll be a great option. It is tempting to throw him straight back in, but we don’t want to do that to the detriment of getting him fully fit. It was quite a serious injury, so we have to be careful. We’re co-operating with the medical team and he's looking sharp."

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