Leicester vs. Manchester United: Key Issues That Will Shape Premier League Game
Louis van Gaal will be looking for his second competitive win with Manchester United as his side travel to Premier League new boys Leicester, for Sunday's lunchtime kick-off.
LvG finally gained his first win as United boss as his team crushed QPR, 4-0 at Old Trafford.
But Leicester have started the new campaign well, accumulating five points from their first four matches: The same total as United, per BBC Sport.
Despite this, Van Gaal will be confident going into the match with a much fitter and healthier squad than in the first weeks of the season, and with the world-class additions of Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria.
Here, we take a look at the issues that will shape this top-flight game:
Will Radamel Falcao Start?
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There is no doubting the mercurial talent of Radamel Falcao. On his day, he is arguably the best No. 9 in world football.
But in a team like United, with Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie both present, El Tigre's starting place is not guaranteed as things stand.
However, Louis van Gaal has not brought the Colombian superstar to Old Trafford to sit on the bench, and there is a good chance that the player will make his starting debut against Leicester.
The striker has hit a phenomenal 64 goals since joining Atletico Madrid in 2011, per WhoScored.com, and he will look to continue this form in a Red Devils shirt.
If Falcao starts, he might have too much quality in the tank for Leicester to deal with. The Midlands club certainly will not come up against many better attackers during the season.
Can United's Defence Contain Leonardo Ulloa?
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When Leicester City signed Argentine footballer Leonardo Ulloa, his transfer went somewhat under the radar.
The former Brighton striker had impressed in the Championship, leading Leicester to pay a club record fee of £8 million for his services, per Sky Sports.
And the 28-year-old has got his Premier League career off to a magnificent start: Scoring three goals in his first four matches, per WhoScored.com.
United's defence is still in transition with Phil Jones out for a month, confirmed by The Press Association via The Guardian.
Marcos Rojo impressed in his debut against QPR but with United relying on the young talent of Tyler Blackett, Leicester will feel they can exploit their opponent's inexperience as a collective.
Ulloa will be hoping to carry on his goalscoring form and make himself a household name with a famous strike against the Red Devils.
Are Leicester Solid Enough to Stop Angel Di Maria?
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To see first-hand the electrifying qualities that Angel Di Maria brings to a team is somewhat of a dream to many Manchester United fans.
The faithful have endured years of a lack of quality from the wide areas since the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo, but Di Maria is a genuine world beater in the attacking department.
ADM was in electric form as he made his debut for United against QPR, scoring from an in-swinging free-kick and providing an assist for Juan Mata.
The 26-year-old will fancy his chances against Leicester with United likely to play on the break, allowing the Argentinian midfielder to show his pace and dribbling skills.
If the British record signing can show anything close to his best, United can expect to have a great opportunity of taking all three points.
5-3-2 or 4-4-2 Diamond for Louis Van Gaal?
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Manchester United's game against QPR allowed Louis van Gaal to finally move away from the 5-3-2 that served his Netherlands team so well at the World Cup, into a more fluid 4-4-2 diamond formation.
The diamond plays to LvG's preference of 4-3-3, allowing the midfield to join up with the attack and support the strikers.
Juan Mata hugely benefited from the tactical change in the last game, empowering him to play in the pocket behind Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.
And with Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera's industry, with Daley Blind marshalling, United were able to flex their muscle in possession—something that has not been present for 12 months.
Despite this, Van Gaal might opt to be more cautious away from home and play a centre-back three of Jonny Evans, Marcos Rojo and Tyler Blackett, with Luke Shaw making his competitive debut at left wing-back.
But with Radamel Falcao ready to start, United may just go all out to blow Leicester out of the water, as fast as possible.
Time to Unleash Luke Shaw
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After Luke Shaw's debut was delayed due to injury, Manchester United's great defensive teenage hope is finally ready to make his first start in a red shirt.
Shaw surprised everyone with his maturity and balance at Southampton last season, running up and down the wing like an international full-back of experienced standing.
His transfer to one of the elite clubs of English football was no surprise but his lack of fitness has slowed his initial impact.
But Shaw has plenty of time and Leicester are an opponent he is well and truly capable of facing.
Louis van Gaal's chosen formation will dictate whether Shaw makes his competitive debut but a solid showing for the under-21s recently may force the player into the Dutch manager's plans.
Jonny Evans recently spoke to United Review about Shaw, proclaiming it will not be long until the player is thought of as the best in the world, in his position, per Michael Gadd of the Mail Online:
"I had the chance to work with Luke in pre-season and there is no doubt he is going to be the best left-back in the world."
If Evans' assessment is correct, United will not miss Patrice Evra's contribution in 2014-15.
Will a Lack of Champions League Make United Fresh?
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Liverpool's dramatic run to almost winning the Premier League last year was down to two elements—the individual brilliance of Luis Suarez and the preparation times between matches, due to a lack of European competition.
And this past week, all of United's main rivals have been involved in the Champions League and Europa League—while the Red Devils have had a whole week to fully prepare for their match.
During the transition to Louis van Gaal's philosophy, the extra time to study opponents and train will be immeasurably beneficial to the team.
The top-six clubs from last season will have had little more than one day to prepare for their next Premier League game—United will have had five days.
It will be interesting to see if United's energies are much higher than those of Manchester City, Chelsea and company as the season moves through Christmas.
This single factor could be the most vital in United's pursuit of silverware.
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