Manchester United and Leicester City will open the 2018/19 Premier League season when they meet at Old Trafford on Friday, 10 August 2018, kick-off at 21h00 CAT.
United come into the match after completing their pre-season programme with a 1-0 loss at Bayern Munich on Sunday evening.
The Red Devils have had an underwhelming time leading up to the new campaign both on and off the field, with Jose Mourinho’s team still struggling to find an attacking rhythm and Brazilian Fred the only notable arrival in the transfer window.
Belief that United can challenge cross-town rivals Manchester City for the title is relatively low, though a strong showing on the opening day of the season could go a long way to lifting the mood – especially if the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba show their best form.
Leicester rounded off their pre-season last weekend with a 2-1 win over French side Lille and will be eager to get the new campaign up and running.
Claude Puel’s Foxes have lost a major star in the shape of Algerian attacker Riyad Mahrez (who was signed by Man City), but the signing of his compatriot Rachid Ghezzal from Monaco goes some way to softening the blow.
Leicester will again look to key players such as goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, centre-back Harry Maguire, Nigerian midfield dynamo Wilfred Ndidi and striker Jamie Vardy to be their standout performers, and all will be itching to impress at Old Trafford.
In head-to-head stats, United and Leicester have met in 24 Premier League matches. The Red Devils have claimed 15 wins compared to just two for the Foxes, while seven games have been drawn.
The teams’ most recent clash was a Premier League game at the King Power Stadium on 23 December last year – it ended 2-2, with Jamie Vary and Harry Maguire scoring for the hosts, while a Juan Mata brace accounted for United’s goals. The Manchester team is unbeaten in their last seven league clashes with City.
Man United v Leicester – Head-to-head, Premier League
Matches played 24
Man United wins 15
Leicester wins 2
Draws 7