Manchester United vs Leicester: Five key battles that could decide the FA Cup clash

Manchester United and Leicester City are set to face off under the Friday night lights at Old Trafford in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

With both teams eyeing a deep cup run; this clash promises to be a fiercely contested affair.

Individual duels across the pitch could be decisive, as both teams boast key players capable of tipping the scales in their favour.

From midfield battles to defensive showdowns, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo gives us five matchups that could shape the outcome of this FA Cup tie.

Jamie Vardy vs Matthijs de Ligt

Despite being 38, Jamie Vardy continues to defy age, proving he can still lead the line for a Premier League club.

The veteran striker has racked up seven goals and three assists this season, averaging nearly a goal contribution every other game - an impressive feat for a player in the twilight of his career.

He faces a towering challenge in Matthijs de Ligt, a physically dominant centre-back who has endured some inconsistent spells but is beginning to find his rhythm in Manchester United’s defence.

This battle promises to be an intriguing clash of experience versus power - Vardy’s sharp movement and instinctive finishing against De Ligt’s imposing presence and improving form.

Bruno Fernandes vs Harry Winks

Bruno Fernandes has quietly been one of Manchester United’s most consistent performers this season, even as the team has struggled for form.

The Portuguese playmaker ranks second in United’s Premier League goal tally, just one behind Amad Diallo, and is tied with him for the most assists in the league for the club.

His influence was further highlighted last week as fans celebrated the fifth anniversary of his arrival, with many hailing him as United’s best signing since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.

Known for his vision, creativity, and ability to step up in crucial moments, Fernandes remains the driving force of United’s midfield.

He will go head-to-head with Harry Winks, who is enduring a disappointing season.

During his time at Tottenham, Winks showed flashes of being a high-quality Premier League midfielder - boasting excellent ball retention, composure in possession, and a keen ability to dictate the tempo from deep.

However, since joining Leicester, he has struggled to recapture that form, failing to make a significant impact in their midfield.

This season, in particular, has been underwhelming, with Winks often looking off the pace and unable to impose himself on games.

This midfield battle is one Fernandes will likely dominate.

With his ability to find space, dictate play, and create chances, he could make life extremely difficult for Winks, who will need to raise his game significantly to prevent the Portuguese star from running the show.

READ MORE: Man Utd news: Red Devils beaten by Crystal Palace as Old Trafford woes continue

Alejandro Garnacho vs James Justin

Alejandro Garnacho’s season has been a rollercoaster, from being left out of the squad amid transfer speculation in January to re-establishing himself as a key player in Manchester United’s first team.

The young Argentine has a habit of delivering against Leicester, having found the net in both of United’s recent meetings with the Foxes - first in the EFL Cup, where United eliminated Leicester, and then in the Premier League, where his late goal sealed an emphatic 3-0 victory.

Clearly, Garnacho enjoys facing this opposition.

However, standing in his way this time is James Justin, one of Leicester’s most trusted defenders.

The full-back has played more Premier League minutes than anyone in the squad this season, showcasing his consistency and endurance.

Defensively, he ranks second for clearances and fourth for tackles at the club, underlining his ability to read the game and make crucial interventions.

This promises to be an engaging contest on the flank - Garnacho’s direct dribbling, pace, and eye for goal against Justin’s defensive awareness, athleticism, and reliability.

Joshua Zirkzee vs Wout Faes

Joshua Zirkzee struggled early on, hitting rock bottom when he was hauled off before halftime in United’s final game of 2024 at Old Trafford, exiting to boos from the home crowd.

However, he has since bounced back impressively, turning his season around with a string of commanding performances.

His game-changing impact against Arsenal in the FA Cup was a pivotal moment - injecting energy into the match and confidently converting the winning penalty to send United through.

Now seemingly ahead of Rasmus Hojlund in the pecking order, Zirkzee is proving himself as a composed, technically gifted forward who thrives under pressure.

He will be up against Wout Faes, a centre-back who has come under heavy scrutiny from Leicester fans.

Many believe he is no longer Premier League quality, with their frustrations reaching new heights after Leicester’s 4-0 defeat to Everton, where Faes was blamed - partially or fully - for all four goals.

Fans have criticized his marking, positioning, and mobility, raising serious doubts about his ability to handle a confident striker.

Zirkzee has the perfect opportunity to exploit these weaknesses.

His clever movement, quick feet, and ability to drop deep and link play could expose Faes’ lack of positional awareness, while his composure in front of goal could further dent the defender’s confidence.

If Zirkzee applies pressure and isolates Faes in one-on-one situations, he could continue his resurgence and further establish himself as United’s go-to striker.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: NBA news: Mavericks trade Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis in sensational deal with Lakers

Bobby De Cordova-Reid vs Noussair Mazraoui

Bobby De Cordova-Reid has struggled with consistency this season.

However, under Ruud van Nistelrooy’s leadership, Leicester have picked up seven points from four games - and a common thread in all of them has been De Cordova-Reid’s influence.

Despite starting only one of those matches, the versatile attacker has contributed three assists and a goal (with another controversially disallowed), delivering strong performances both on and off the ball.

Van Nistelrooy appears to have unlocked the best version of him, and this clash against Mazraoui will be a real test of his resurgence.

Mazraoui has been one of United’s standout signings, blending defensive resilience with technical quality.

He leads the team with 70 tackles, ranks fifth in clearances, and sits fourth in completed passes - showcasing his ability to break up play while maintaining composure in possession.

A key figure in Ruben Amorim’s system, Mazraoui’s presence has been instrumental in United’s defensive structure.

This battle will be one to watch.

De Cordova-Reid’s movement and ability to create chances from wide areas will challenge Mazraoui’s defensive awareness.

On the other hand, Mazraoui’s ability to progress the ball forward could force De Cordova-Reid into deeper, uncomfortable positions.

If Leicester’s winger can exploit spaces behind him, it could be a key factor in Leicester’s attacking threat - but if Mazraoui holds firm, he could nullify one of Van Nistelrooy’s most in-form players.

Prediction

This fixture has all the ingredients for an intense FA Cup clash.

Manchester United will look to control possession and dictate play, while Leicester will aim to stay compact and capitalise on counter-attacks.

However, with home advantage and key players like Fernandes stepping up in recent weeks, United should have the edge in what promises to be a hard-fought battle.

Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City

READ NEXT: Six Nations 2025 news: What are the new rules for this year?