Manchester United vs Leicester Prediction: Fernandes to lead Red Devils to victory

Manchester United welcome Leicester City to Old Trafford in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday night (20:00, live on ITV).

Ruben Amorim's side managed to overcome Arsenal in the previous round, but they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday in the Premier League. Meanwhile, just a week after a sensational win over Tottenham Hotspur, the Foxes were thrashed 4-0 by Everton, heightening the club's relegation fears. Read on for my Manchester United vs Leicester City prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Football Odds

Team News

Amorim's experiment of deploying Kobbie Mainoo in a false nine role didn't go to plan in Sunday's defeat to Crystal Palace, so Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee are expected to come in and lead the line here.

Lisandro Martinez suffered a season-ending ACL injury in that defeat, while Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Mason Mount remain in the treatment room. New signing Patrick Dorgu could make his debut here, especially since Tyrell Malacia left for PSV Eindhoven on loan before the end of the transfer window.

As for Leicester, Mads Hermansen returned after a six-week absence at Goodison Park last weekend, and Wilfred Ndidi edges closer to a return from a thigh problem.

Ricardo Pereira and Abdul Fatawu remain long-term absentees, however Woyo Coulibaly may be handed his first start for Leicester at Old Trafford.

Manchester United vs Leicester City Odds

United are 3/10 to win in 90 minutes, giving them an implied win probability of 76.9%, and the draw is 9/2, with a Leicester victory 8/1.

Amorim's side are 1/8 to win the tie overall, while the Foxes are 9/2. Rasmus Hojlund leads the anytime goalscorer market at 21/20, and Jamie Vardy is shortest-priced for the visitors at 5/2.

Manchester United to win to nil @ 13/10

United's mini-resurgence of four wins in their last five games was brought to a halt on Sunday afternoon, suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace.

It makes for particularly grim reading for Amorim, as his side have now suffered five defeats in their last seven league matches at Old Trafford, which is more than Jose Mourinho managed during his two-and-a-half year spell at the club.

The Red Devils have shown small glimpses of promise in their performances against the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, as well as the aforementioned victory over Arsenal in the previous round of this competition, and they should have enough to see off the threat of Leicester, who were comfortably beaten by Everton last weekend.

Leicester have lost three of their last four games to nil and have only picked up two victories in 14 away trips this term across all competitions. Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was in the United dugout for the 5-2 and 3-0 wins against the Foxes in the Carabao Cup and Premier League before being appointed Leicester's manager, will be looking for his side to respond here.

United are too short to back in the match result so I'm going to opt for the Red Devils to win to nil instead at 13/10.

Bruno Fernandes to score anytime @ 13/10

United's skipper has struck nine times in 35 appearances across all competitions, which isn't his best return by any means.

However, the Portugal international scored three times in United's previous two home outings against Leicester earlier this season. The 30-year-old also scored the opener in the triumph over Arsenal in the previous round.

I wouldn't expect Fernandes to be rested here as the FA Cup and/or the Europa League will most likely be the only route back into Europe for United, given the fact that they're currently languishing in 13th place in the Premier League.

Hojlund and Zirkzee, United's only two recognised strikers, are the two favourites in the anytime goalscorer market for Friday's clash. However, the pair have failed to score a goal between them in 2025, so I think Fernandes is reasonably priced to strike here at 13/10.

Offers

Friday: Build your own Bet Builder bet (3/1+) of 4+ legs on Man United v Leicester and get 50% of your stake back in Free Bets up to £5 if you lose. (Credited within 24 hours)

Friday/Saturday: Place an In-Play single bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/2+ on any FA Cup game on Friday or Saturday and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Sunday’s games. (Credited upon Bet Settlement)

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Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down

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