Manchester United are finally back in action again this weekend but make the trip to Leicester with some uncertainties hanging above Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s head.
The start of the season was positive for Solskjaer’s side but after winning four out of their opening five, they are now winless in their last two Premier League games, with slip-ups against Aston Villa and Everton coming at Old Trafford.
There is, however, a chance at redemption this weekend as they prepare to face Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester, who have also started the campaign poorly.
Raphael Varane has been ruled out of the game whilst Harry Maguire is highly unlikely to feature, which means that United’s attacking assets will be needed more than ever at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
Trusted midfielder Fred will also almost certainly miss the game as he is expected to feature for Brazil against Uruguay less than 48 hours before the game against Leicester.
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Solskjaer has often opted to use Fred and Scott McTominay as a midfield pair but with the Brazilian set to miss the game, added importance has been put on their attacking stars, with Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes set to play a major role if they are to leave Leicester with three points.
Pogba is back at Manchester United after helping his France side win the UEFA Nations League and will be looking to build on that feat. The 28-year-old is currently top of the assist charts in the Premier League, having directly created seven goals in as many games.
Fernandes is United’s outstanding goal-creator, having been Europe’s most productive midfielder for each of the last three seasons. His ability to create and find spaces in the final third will be needed against Leicester’s compact defence. Solskjaer will know all about the Foxes – United failed to beat them on three occasions last season.
Leicester are likely to press United high up the pitch and the exciting duo will need to be in their top form if United are to end the slump they are currently on.