On Wednesday evening, Leicester City played Manchester United in the English Football League Cup Round of 16. It's never easy going to Old Trafford. Though it might have been a simpler task for the Foxes, or any Premier League team, with Erik ten Hag still at the Red Devils helm. Although the Dutchman has now been relieved of United duty.
There is a new man in temporary interim place at Utd, former exceptional top level striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. Potential new head coach Ruben Amorim didn't arrive in time for the LCFC contest, if he does in fact agree to be ten Hag's successor. So, how did the King Power players get on against van Nistelrooy's men? Which Foxes were good, and who had a bad game versus MUFC?
Reacting to the Foxes starting line up
The Leicester XI was as follows: Danny Ward; James Justin, Conor Coady, Caleb Okoli, Luke Thomas; Oliver Skipp, Boubakary Soumare; Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Kasey McAteer, Bilal El Khannouss; Jordan Ayew. And then Daniel Iversen, Ricardo Pereira, Jannik Vestergaard, Wilfred Ndidi, Harry Winks, Stephy Mavididi, Odsonne Edouard, Facundo Buonanotte, and Will Alves made up the substitute collective.
Prior to the game kicking off, Foxes of Leicester were surprised at some of the choices. Justin starting seems a questionable selection with his first team status. It's good to see 'coach' Coady involved again.
Players like Thomas and Edouard were always very likely to get a chance to impress. Thomas didn't really; Edouard didn't have time. I had hoped the Crystal Palace loanee would start and score.
Some of the Blue Army weren't totally pleased with the side to begin with against the United team. Justin and Caleb Okoli probably needed a rest. Clearly Buonanotte is so important to City now that he cannot be left out entirely.
Leicester City stars who stood out for good and bad reasons vs Manchester United
Even in a bad performance from the majority, you've got to say that a few players committed themselves to the cause. Coady was rusty but occasionally valiant; his Italian centre back partner was less convincing.
It's actually easier to name satisfactory displays rather than the unsatisfactory ones. Basically more were bad than good on the night; I'm honestly conflicted over who to praise in a 5-2 loss. Yet Bilal El Khannouss is winning me over. Boubakary Soumare could have been worse.
James Justin was a contrasting example and an exception in that sense. His effort to get up the pitch and try to make something happen is admirable. But so many loose touches, poor decision-making and a lack of ideas when going forward detract massively from his advancement and qualities.