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7 mins Castagne runs off the bottom right and slides in a low cross that is cleared by the off-balance Sabitzer. That was an important touch because Leicester had a number of players up front.
6 mins “I’m going to like this,” says Shane Oleary. “Two slick, aggressive teams and I don’t care who wins, although a United win would tease Pep… So come on United!”
You have also reached the Premier League.
5 minutes Sabitzer wins the ball high up in the field, the ball rebounds to Rashford on the right side of the box. He rattles an early shot that hits Souttar (I think) and goes back for a corner. Nothing comes of it.
4 mins United have gotten off to a light and breezy start, with most of the game currently taking place in the Leicester half.
2 minutes Fernandes wins an early corner. Shaw takes, Souttar walks away.
1 minute United started as expected with Wout Weghorst in number 10, Marcus Rashford in front and Bruno Fernandes on the right.
1 minute Peep peep!
The players are in the tunnel, the Stone Roses are on the Tannoy. It’s time for business.
“England showed that money is all that counts” says Jeff Sax, “and they will find a way to let Qatar buy Man Utd… just like they let Saudi Arabia buy Newcastle. Enjoy the game.”
Well, that’s what I was hoping for until this email.
Updated at 14:02 GMT
“Nice to see Ten Hag isn’t moaning United have less recovery time than their opponents going into this game,” says Rick Harris. “Nevertheless, it’s a clear advantage for Leicester that United only had to play the La Liga leaders in Spain 65 hours ago. If United get the three points they are definitely in the title race.”
You have to think the schedule will eventually catch up to United. My only criticism of ten Hag this season (should I up the T like Van Dijk if I don’t use his first name?) is that he hasn’t rotated enough in the easier cup games. Casemiro vs Reading FHS.
“Mr Inbetween… what a show!” says Ronan O’Brien. “I thought I was the only one who appreciated that.”
It might be my favorite show since The Sopranos. And as someone who aspires to write something decent one day, the story behind it is truly inspiring – no artistic compromises coupled with total lowbrow.
United have two big games ahead of them: Barcelona in the Europa League on Thursday, then Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final a week later. Here are a few appetizers from the archive.
“Funny that Maddison is a critical darling, as opposed to another player (Mr. Martial) who also shows up for a while, does well but is injured twice as long,” says Duncan Edwards. “With that in mind, if Martial can face Barca next week, should Ten Hag keep him for the Carabao final instead?”
That’s a little tough for Maddison – he’s played 53 games a season! I think he’s pretty wonderful. As for Martial, God knows: it sounds like he hasn’t been 100 percent fit all season, so I suspect he’ll be on the bench at best. I would start Rashford up front against Barcelona; I’m not sure about Newcastle as they will defend deep but Wembley is a big field.
A word from the managers
This is a great interview with Leicester’s new centre-back Harry Souttar, who has been going through extreme emotions over the past six months: he played in the World Cup and moved to the Premier League but those career highlights were overshadowed by the death of his brother Aaron from motor neuron disease.
On the vague subject of Australia and motor neuron disease, I can’t recommend the TV show Mr Inbetween enough. Nicholas Cassim’s portrayal of someone with MND is among the best actors I’ve seen.
Updated at 13:34 GMT
Imagine walking downhill from the Glazers
Team News
Erik ten Hag makes five changes from the draw in Barcelona on Thursday. Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, Marcel Sabitzer and Alejandro Garnacho replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro and Jadon Sancho.
As one would expect from a team in such splendid form, Leicester are unchanged.
Manchester United (possible 4-2-3-1) deGea; Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Shaw; Sabitzer, Fred; Fernandes, Weghorst, Garnacho; Raschford.
Substitutes: Heaton, Malacia, Varane, Wan-Bissaka, Mainoo, McTominay, Pellistri, Elanga, Sancho.
Leicester City (4-2-3-1) Station; Castagne, Souttar, Faes, Kristiansen; Mendy, Dewsbury Hall; Tete, Maddison, Barnes; Iheanacho.
Substitutes: Iverson, Ricardo, Amartey, Ndidi, Soumare, Tielemans, Praet, Daka, Vardy.
referee Craig Pawson.
preamble
Right, is Manchester United in that title race or what? They are eight points behind leaders Arsenal but if they beat Leicester today they will be just three behind Manchester City – the team most consider favorites to win the league title.
Most logic and all instinct suggests that too soon is too much, especially with a thinning roster and a build-up of fixtures looming. Still, it’s an exceptional performance from Erik ten Hag to have United sitting comfortably in third place, especially after such a devilish start to the season. And if they somehow become champions, he will be immortal.
All United can do is keep winning and see where it takes them. That won’t be easy this afternoon against a Leicester side who, surprise surprise, have been rejuvenated by the return of James Maddison. They have scored eight goals in their last two league games and their opening four from Maddison, Harvey Barnes, Tete and Kelechi Iheanacho will give United’s defense a good test today. Eric didn’t want it any other way.
Begin 14 o’clock
Updated at 12:54 GMT