United mustn’t fall into the trap set by Leicester. United supporters are desperate for attacking football but if Van Gaal’s side were to adopt a wanton offensive style then Vardy would be given free rein to run at an isolated United defence on the counter.
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Captain Vincent Kompany has been badly missed and faces another fortnight out with a calf problem, while David Silva and Samir Nasri are also sidelined and goalkeeper Joe Hart was injured in the midweek Champions League loss at Juventus.
Vardy is the Premier League’s top scorer this season with 13 goals, but the glamour of his current fame is a far cry from the days when he plied his trade in the semi-professional ranks with Fleetwood, Stocksbridge Park Steels and Halifax.
– In winning that game, Leicester became the only team in Premier League history to come from two goals down to beat United. With 28 goals, it has scored more often than any other team this season. One concern that Spurs backers might have is that they have played on Thursday in Azerbaijan (7 hour flight from London) so we may see some jet lag from players after enduring a long round trip mid-week.
How To Stop Jamie Vardy? He scored and provoked a penalty and now he is scoring 10 games in a row. Vardy’s strength is his flawless movement and short passes, with which he creates space to get inside the box. This will keep them playing in the front, thereby slashing opportunities.
“Our defensive organisation is normally the best part of our game”, said the Manchester United boss.
“Wayne is doing a lot, has a very great contribution in the team”. Though the game with PSV was a boring one, Martial managed to carve hope with good balls for Lingard. Gary Monk’s (Swansea) Job is on the line and you have to expect another loss will see him shown the door.
The foxes are now in the form of their life and have won the last four matches. United are without long-term absentees Luke Shaw (leg) and Antonio Valencia (foot), while they will check on the progress of Michael Carrick (foot), Ander Herrera (hamstring), Phil Jones (ankle) and James Wilson (knee) ahead of the game.
Jesse Lingard. United’s brightest player in a disappointing team performance – and even he had a couple of moments when he should have done better, most notably when he put a shot over the bar in the 73rd minute.
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Both Vardy and Mahrez have been linked with moves from the King Power Stadium after excelling this season but Ranieri believes his plan for the Foxes can convince the pair to stay.
