Ahead of their meeting with Liverpool, United boss Erik ten Hag would have naturally had concerns that his side would succumb to a third defeat in a row in the Premier League.
However, in the space of two matches, the mood at Old Trafford has changed for the better, United following a 2-1 success over fierce rivals Liverpool with a 1-0 triumph at Southampton.
The most recent win came in far different circumstances and atmosphere than the Liverpool showdown, but that is what Ten Hag will take confidence from as he looks to transform United into a team which do not look devoid of character and passion against the lower teams in the division.
Bruno Fernandes answered criticism of his form with a quite wonderful finish at St Mary’s, the playmaker getting on the scoresheet for the first time since May 2.
While Ten Hag will not be getting carried away with his team scoring just four times in as many matches, they have come through the first stage of their test of character with flying colours.
Brendan Rodgers requires a similar response from his Leicester players with the club losing three consecutive fixtures in the Premier League.
Unlike against Arsenal and Southampton, there were positives to take from the display at Chelsea, although it should not be forgotten that the Foxes played against 10 men for 62 minutes plus added-on time
Leicester have certainly not been helped by constant speculation regarding key men, but that should not be used as an excuse when too many players have under-performed during the opening weeks of the season.
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Only James Maddison has performed to a high level, and Rodgers will be desperate for the playmaker to return to the squad after a minor muscle injury.
Leicester head into this fixture on a five-game unbeaten streak against United, who last defeated Thursday’s hosts in July 2020.
While Rodgers has claimed that he is “hopeful” over the fitness of Maddison, the midfielder may only be named on the Leicester substitutes’ bench.
Wilfred Ndidi will hope to be recalled ahead of Boubakary Soumare, while Ayoze Perez may be provided with an opportunity down the right-hand side.
