Manchester United vs Leicester prediction, team news and preview ahead of the Premier League opener
It's been a miserable and traumatic summer at Old Trafford but Jose Mourinho will be hoping to put all that behind him by claiming all three points against the Foxes
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue.
MANCHESTER UNITED hope to put a traumatic and pretty miserable pre-season behind them by getting off to a winning start in the Premier League.
Old Trafford will host their opener against 2016 champions Leicester City at 8pm on Friday, August 10.
And after all of his troubles over the summer, Jose Mourinho may be feeling the pressure more than ever to get the three points after several fall-outs with his squad.
Best of enemies
A former United favourite returns to the Theatre of Dreams hoping to pile on the misery to his old employers. Experienced defender Jonny Evans spent 11 years at United and helped them to win countless honours before his departure to West Brom in 2015.
He moved to Leicester this summer following the Baggies’ relegation and the 30-year-old Northern Ireland international will be desperate to get off to a good start if he overcomes injury to make his debut.
Look ahead to the weekend
Key man
Undoubtedly Harry Maguire will be the key man – although it wasn't clear until last night who he would be playing for this evening.
United were desperately trying to sign him before yesterday's transfer deadline but Leicester held firm.
And after his heroics for England this summer, the Foxes have a much better chance of getting a result if they have their star man at the heart of defence.
LATEST MANCHESTER UNITED NEWS
Likely line-ups
Brazilian Fred is the only United newcomer expected to start at Old Trafford while Leicester’s £20m signing from Norwich James Maddison could make his bow.
Man Utd XI: De Gea; Darmian, Bailly, Lindelof, Shaw; McTominay, Fred, A. Pereira; Mata, Rashford, Alexis
Leicester XI: Schmeichel; Chilwell, Morgan, Benalouane, Ndidi, Iborra, Pereira, Maddison, Albrighton, Iheanacho
The stat that matters
No other Premier League team has won their opening fixture more times than Manchester United.
They have kicked-off a campaign 17 times with victory.
The Red Devils are also unbeaten in 20 top-flight matches at home played on a Friday.
What the boss said
Mourinho is facing a mini injury crisis tonight. He said yesterday: "Romero had a surgery after his injury, Valencia, he was injured in pre-season, Marcos Rojo, he was injured in the World Cup.
"Dalot had a surgery in Porto by the end of April and is not yet ready. Ander Herrera was injured against Bayern.
"Matic was injured in the World Cup and had surgery in Philly a couple of weeks ago. I think that's it."
Puel meanwhile used his press conference yesterday to wind Mourinho up about his failed bid for Maguire.
He teased: "“I can confirm Harry is going to Manchester …. but only for a couple of hours with us."
Prediction
Despite all their drama off-the-field Mourinho’s men should still have enough to claim all three points.
But with a number of their World Cup stars still not firing at full throttle, it will not be a walkover.
Expect a gritty 1-0 triumph for the Red Devils.
Which channel is it on and can I live stream it?
You can watch this game live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage starting at 7pm.
To stream the game live, you can buy a Sky Sports Day Pass from
Or you can save £160 across the season with a 10 month season pass.
Sign up for Dream Team 2018/19 now
- Dream Team is back and better than ever ahead of the new Premier League season
- Completely free to play
- £400k jackpot up for grabs across the season