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The Red Devils added to a litany of Old Trafford disappointments on Sunday as they were beaten 2-0 by the Eagles following Jean-Philippe Mateta’s brace, leaving them 13th in the Premier League and only a mere 12 points above Friday’s opponents Leicester in the relegation zone.
With their Premier League campaign in tatters, perhaps the FA Cup can provide familiar salvation for Manchester United this term. With pressure growing on Ruben Amorim, success in the world’s oldest cup competition could spare his blushes – as it did for predecessor Erik ten Hag last season.
Here is how United could line up for their duel with Leicester in the FA Cup fourth round.
GK: Altay Bayindir – Having proven Man Utd’s saviour in the third round penalty shootout win at Arsenal, the deputy could be handed another start in between the sticks against a Leicester side struggling for goals.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt – De Ligt only made a brief cameo against Palace last time out and should be refreshed for a battle with Jamie Vardy. The Leicester forward is still a menace at 38 years old.
CB: Harry Maguire – The former Leicester defender will play his ninth match against his old employers and will also be tasked with stifling ex-teammate Vardy at Old Trafford.
CB: Leny Yoro – An ACL injury to Lisandro Martinez is a devastating blow for Man Utd but they do have depth at centre-back with Yoro and Victor Lindelof available to step in for the South American.
RM: Diogo Dalot – The Portuguese has been one of the more reliable performers this season but will need to provide consistent offensive support against Leicester – something he’s less skilled at doing.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – The tough-tackling midfielder has been an Amorim favourite since …
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