Manchester United has continued to make significant progress under Erik Ten Hag. It is evident as they are still the only club in Europe competing on all fronts.
They have immensely improved with how they play on the pitch, and their never-back-down mentality has ensured they grind out much-needed results. Even with the challenge of injuries and suspensions leading to the unavailability of several key players, Erik Ten Hag still ensured his side derived maximum results.
With the instance of their recent 2-2 stalemate against Barcelona at the Spotify Nou Camp stadium in the first leg of their Europa League knockout phase clash last Thursday, with seven of their first team players absent, Erik Ten Hag's side almost put the Catalans to the sword on their own turf.
Attention has been switched back to the Premier League, where the Red Devils will be hosting Leicester City for their second meeting of the season. Several players who missed out on the trip are expected to be available for the Sunday clash with the Foxes, while others are still in doubt.
With matches coming in fast for the Red Devils, team manager Erik Ten Hag will be forced to ring the changes when he welcomes Brendan Rodgers' side to Old Trafford.
Expected changes.
The manager is expected to make up to five alterations to his starting lineup against the Foxes on Sunday afternoon.
Lisandro Martinez, who was left out of the trip to Barcelona due to card accumulation, which led to a one-match ban, should be recalled back to the starting lineup alongside team captain Harry Maguire. Raphael Varane would be rested to stay match-fit ahead of the Europa League return leg against Barcelona at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
Luke Shaw could be given the nod ahead of Tyler Malacia at the left back position, while Diogo Dalot should return to the first eleven unless Erik Ten Hag has other plans in mind, in which case Wan Bissaka will retain his place.
Casemiro will serve the last of his three-match ban on Sunday, automatically ruling him out of the match-day squad. Fred is expected to remain a starter while Marcel Sabitzer returns to partner him in the midfield. The Austrian was also a noticeable absence from Manchester United's last Thursday clash against Barcelona in the Europa League. Bruno Fernandes would also start against the Foxes as his only replacement, Donny Van De Beek, is ruled out of the season due to injury.
One change is anticipated in Manchester United's attack: Alejandro Gernacho should be given a starting berth ahead of Jadon Sancho while Wout Weghorst drops into the midfield. Marcus Rashford is expected to continue his role as striker.
Marcus Rashford has scored 22 times this season, matching his best goalscoring season tally in a Manchester United shirt. He's aiming to get another against Brendan Rodgers' side.
A decision should be made regarding who starts between the sticks for the Red Devils. Man United will need David De Gea to be fresh for Barcelona's Europa League return leg at Old Trafford, but it's hard to see Jack Butland or Tom Heaton starting between the sticks on Sunday.
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