Leicester City Standout Provides Van Nistelrooy with Immediate Plan B for Manchester United Clash

If Ruud van Nistelrooy stays true to his word, Leicester City’s approach against Manchester United is already clear.

Despite another defeat and another match without scoring, the back-five system used against Chelsea last week was deemed a success by the manager.

Van Nistelrooy has confirmed he will stick with it this weekend. However, City has a solid backup plan in case the new setup fails to produce results.

When Ricardo Pereira made his return after four months on Sunday, City reverted to last season’s system under Enzo Maresca.

The Portuguese full-back played an inverted role, which made a significant impact.

He was involved in City’s two best late chances—taking a shot from the edge of the box and delivering a cross that was just behind Facundo Buonanotte.

Ricardo not only offers tactical flexibility but also brings valuable leadership as Leicester fights relegation.

Last season, he was vice-captain to Jamie Vardy and helped lift the Championship trophy alongside Vardy and Marc Albrighton.

“His influence in the group is big,” van Nistelrooy said after Ricardo’s return against Chelsea. “He’s a leader.

He pushes the team forward and always supports his teammates. He showed his qualities as an inverted full-back, driving play from deep and helping us advance up the pitch. It’s great to have him back.”

There is a chance Ricardo could start against Manchester United, but if he does, it would likely be as part of the central defensive trio, replacing Luke Thomas.

However, that seems unlikely, as van Nistelrooy praised Thomas for his performance against Chelsea.

For the wing-back roles, James Justin, Victor Kristiansen, and Woyo Coulibaly are the preferred choices due to their pace and ability to cover the flanks effectively.