Pundits Predictions: The Soccer Saturday pundits give their view on Harry Maguire & if Leicester will finish above Man Utd this season
The Soccer Saturday football experts have their say on Harry Maguire's move and whether Man Utd or Leicester will finish higher this season.
Manchester United v Leicester
- Old Trafford - Saturday 3pm
- Match Odds: Man Utd 17/20 | Draw 13/5 | Leicester 16/5
Matt Le Tissier
Has Harry Maguire been a success?
I would say it has been an OK start. I would not say it has been outstanding. The results they have had so far have been hit and miss, but it has been OK.
Is he the man to lead Man Utd back to glory?
I think Harry Maguire is certainly a huge improvement on what they had. Whether he can do that on his own remains to be seen. There are still improvements to be made elsewhere in the team for Man Utd to be real challengers.
Are Leicester actually better off without him?
I would say probably not. Caglar Soyuncu has done well so far, but Harry Maguire is still better than what they have got there at the moment.
His replacement Caglar Soyuncu looks decent?
I have quite enjoyed his composure on the ball. He is so comfortable and he reminds me a bit of David Luiz. It is very early on - he made a couple of appearances last year but he is Leicester’s first choice now and seems to be loving every minute of it.
Who are the better side this season, Man Utd or Leicester?
Over the first four games, I would say Leicester. Their form is more impressive than that of Manchester United’s. This does not mean to say they will finish above them but it will be close.
Where will both sides finish?
I think both sides will finish in the top seven - where that will be is the tough one here. I think Leicester might sneak sixth. It could be at the expense of Manchester United or Chelsea but I would probably go with Manchester United to finish fifth, just.
Score prediction for the game?
Leicester have not done particularly well at Old Trafford since they have been back in the Premier League, but I think they will improve on that.
Phil Thompson
Has he been a success?
I do think Harry Maguire has been a success at Manchester United. It is no surprise to me that he has done well so far. I would probably give him an 8/10 for how he has played - there is room for improvement. When you have the quality he has, you cannot be surprised that Maguire has settled in well. That being said, he is still trying to link up with another centre-back in Victor Lindelof and then Luke Shaw who is injured also - you need time to get to know your teammates and how they play, so this might take a little more time. He was outstanding in the opening game against Chelsea and has done alright in the other games.
Is he the man to lead Man Utd back to glory?
The Chelsea game, people would agree, was not a 4-0 result. It will take time and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will need a couple more transfer windows before they can be contesting for the main honours. They could still win a cup, but Man Utd fans will want to see them challenging for a title again, and I cannot see it at the moment. Maguire will certainly boost their defence, but more transfers are necessary.
It is early days into his tenure to be putting your hat on them challenging for the Premier League, but with the signings they have made, such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Daniel James and Harry Maguire, it will be a step in right direction.
Are Leicester actually better off without him?
You cannot say Leicester are better off without Maguire, but two weeks ago I did the Leicester v Bournemouth game and Caglar Soyuncu, his ‘so-called’ replacement, was the Man of the Match.
His replacement Caglar Soyuncu looks decent?
He was absolutely terrific against Bournemouth. Where has he been? Maybe he feels as though he has more of a chance playing regularly with Maguire out of the door - he may feel more comfortable. His performance in defence and on the ball was tremendous. Whether he can keep it up and be consistent is another point, but he was outstanding.
I am looking at Leicester under Brendan Rodgers and I feel there is more togetherness. I feel they are comfortable in each other’s company, both the players with Brendan and Brendan with the players. They can easily throw their dummies out, as seen with many players in this era, and be unhappy with coaches, as they did do with the Premier League winner Claudio Ranieri and then Claude Puel too. Ranieri fell out of love and Puel never got in the door.
Who are the better side this season, Man Utd or Leicester?
I see more consistency with Leicester than Man Utd, and in Jamie Vardy, you have an out-and-out centre-forward, he knows his position. With Manchester United, is it Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial who will be leading the line for Manchester United? It is good to have them interchanging but I don’t think anyone can pin exactly who is the striker going forward. I would say Leicester and that is probably replicated with the positioning at the moment.
Where will both sides finish?
I would have thought Manchester United will finish above Leicester, but I think there will only be a place or two between them. If I had to choose now, Manchester United will finish fifth or sixth, but they still need more bodies through the door in January.
Score prediction for the game?
Charlie Nicholas' prediction
It is a cracking game, one which I would like to see. Leicester are visiting one of the teams I think they could catch. I am looking at what they have and what they don’t have, but the simple fact is Leicester have started the campaign well.
This is a game where they can open up and threaten Man Utd. If they play open and expansively then they will be content. Brendan Rodgers’ side has a shape but can counter-attack and are good with the ball.
I don’t know whether Anthony Martial will be fit. Marcus Rashford will play through the middle but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team will still be vulnerable in defence.
Odds correct as of 0911 on 12/09/19