Erik ten Hag is preparing his side for another away match after last weekend’s trip to Southampton put an end to the seven-game losing streak away from home.
The win at Southampton also ensured that Ten Hag won back-to-back games in the Premier League, the first time United have done that since February under Ralf Rangnick.
Ten Hag will now set his sights on extending that streak against Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester side on Thursday but there are a few selection headaches he will need to consider.
United’s Europa League campaign begins next week and as a result, the squad will need to be rotated. Ten Hag has found a winning formula with his new-look defence but he remains short in midfield.
Casemiro, the former Real Madrid star, could make his full debut at Leicester after an impressive cameo at Southampton. He has, however, only been training with the team for a week and Ten Hag could opt to use Scott McTominay or Fred.
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Casemiro’s pedigree shows that he would not turn down the opportunity of being thrown into the deep end but Ten Hag’s preference is unclear.
Further up the pitch, another dilemma has presented itself. Anthony Martial, who is Ten Hag’s first-choice as a striker, has missed the majority of United’s games thus far through injury.
The Frenchman’s only appearance came as a second-half substitute against Liverpool last week and he was again ruled out for the next game.
He is not expected to be available this week either and in his absence, Ten Hag has preferred Anthony Elanga. Cristiano Ronaldo, who is increasingly likely to remain at the club past Thursday’s deadline, will be keen to kick-start his season.
The prospect of continuing to drop Ronaldo could become an issue for Ten Hag – he’s not the type of player you want fighting the opposite corner.
But in truth, it does look like Ten Hag simply isn’t planning on using Ronaldo this season and his team selection on Thursday will give the clearest indication yet as to what his plans are.
Surely Casemiro is a must. Years of Fred mctominay with neither showing any ability desire or effort must stop.
Ronaldo should play if he’s staying. Attack was poor against Southampton no movement slow and no target