Leicester City XI v Man United and the team Steve Cooper should pick

• As Leicester City prepares for a high-stakes clash against Manchester United, manager Steve Cooper faces a crucial decision in how to line up his side. The Foxes have shown promising form in recent weeks, but a challenging encounter with Erik ten Hag’s United requires a tactical approach that maximizes Leicester’s strengths while minimizing the risk against a potent attacking force.

**Formation and Key Players**

Cooper should opt for a 4-3-3 formation, ensuring that Leicester has a solid midfield presence and can offer support to the forwards while staying compact defensively. In goal, *Danny Ward* remains the safest choice, with his shot-stopping ability and leadership at the back.

**Defensive Line: A Solid Core**

In defense, *James Justin* and *Timothy Castagne* should start as the full-backs, offering pace and defensive solidity, especially with the threat of Manchester United’s wingers. *Wout Faes* and *Harry Souttar* should anchor the central defense. Faes has been solid in recent matches, while Souttar’s physicality can be crucial in dealing with United’s aerial threat, particularly from *Lisandro Martínez* and *Raphaël Varane* on set pieces.

**Midfield: Control the Game**

In midfield, Leicester must look to control the tempo. *Youri Tielemans* should be the central pivot, distributing the ball and offering creativity. Alongside him, *Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall* and *Wilfred Ndidi* would provide energy and defensive stability. Ndidi will be essential in protecting the back four, especially against United’s counter-attacks.

**Attacking Threat: Pace and Precision**

Up front, *James Maddison* should play just behind the striker, pulling the strings and looking to link up play. *Patson Daka* or *Jamie Vardy* would be ideal as the central forward, with Daka’s pace potentially offering a dangerous outlet against United’s high defensive line.

With this lineup, Leicester City can be competitive, balancing solid defense with an attacking threat that could trouble Manchester United’s vulnerable backline.