Man Utd host Leicester in first match since Erik ten Hag’s exit – follow live

Bruno Fernandes spoke glowingly last year about Ruben Amorim and his potential as a manager.

The Sporting boss has been tipped to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United and the Portuguese midfielder’s remarks from last year suggest he will be pleased with the potential appointment.

“I think all the qualities are there to be able to succeed in English, French, or Spanish football,” Fernandes told SportTV last year.

“Obviously, we know that the Premier League is probably the most desired. The qualities [to succeed in England] are there and he has everything to take the next step, in my opinion.”

The Old Trafford hierarchy have put the 39-year-old top of their list, having not considered him during the summer. They are also willing to negotiate with the Portuguese club about a release fee that is within the region of €10m (£8.3m).

United are seeking to impress on Amorim the opportunity that the job presents and there has been considerable progress on talks, to the point that Amorim’s coaching staff has been discussed.

Leicester are in good form.

They’ve only lost two of their last seven matches across all competitions though one of those defeats came against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Jamie Vardy has scored in his last two outings and will be keen to perform at Old Trafford.

Despite coming up from the Championship this season, Leicester are only two points behind Man Utd in the Premier League table. They have won twice and drawn three times in the top flight so will be confident of taking on the Red Devils tonight.

United, in contrast, have three wins and two draws but will hope the change in manager can turn around their fortunes and send them into the next round.

Steve Cooper is also expecting Manchester United’s quality to be on display at Old Trafford but hopes his gameplan will be enough to help his players get the win.

Cooper added: “Manchester United have got brilliant players who can make a difference in every area of the pitch, both with and without the ball and we have to be ready for that. We also know that we have players who can have good moments as well and impacts on the game. We’ve got to make sure that we take that opportunity.

“We believe that if we get our game right, it can have a positive influence on any game we play. Of course, you have to understand the opponents and dangerous players and everything else which forms a game plan, but the biggest part of our game plan is that our game becomes a dominant factor in every match that we play.

“There’s always context to a game and this one is the change from league to cup and the change in manager with an interim going in. That can add to the atmosphere and we’re very aware of that, but it hasn’t changed our objective and what we want to do in the game and that’s the bit we can influence. We’re focused on ourselves and how we get us right for the game.”

With all the noise surrounding Manchester United it is easy to lose sight of Leicester City’s position. They are preparing to face a team without a manager and boss Steve Cooper is focusing on his own players instead of the opposition.

He told reporters at the pre-match press conference: “What we’re doing now is preparing for a cup game and a chance to get to the quarter-finals and a game that we really want to bring a good performance to get us through to the next round.

“I’m sure the atmosphere will be really good tomorrow and we’ve got to try and thrive in that moment. That’s what we’ve been talking about in the past day or so. We’re looking forward to getting down there.

“When you come up against a change in manager, it’s a really good challenge to show how good your own work is as a team, in terms of your ideas of play, both with and without the ball, because really, if you get it right, you should be able to adapt to anything that you face and that will be no different tomorrow.”

Erik ten Hag has a brand of defiance that sometimes made him sound a man apart.

An unexpected taste of glory empowered him. “If they don’t want me, I go somewhere else to win trophies,” he said after defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

“Thanks for everything boss!” Fernandes posted on Instagram. “I appreciate the trust and the moments we share together, I wish you all the best in the future.

“Even knowing the last period hasn’t been great from all of us, I hope you fans can keep with you the good things the manager has done for our club!”

Forward Alejandro Garnacho, who broke into the first team under Ten Hag also thanked his former manager.

“I will always be grateful to you for giving me the opportunity and confidence to play for this club,” Garnacho posted. “I will remember the good times we had together, I wish you all the best.”

Young England international Kobbie Mainoo also thanked Ten Hag for helping him break into the Manchester United team last season.

“Thank you for your trust and belief in me, and for giving me the opportunity to play with my boyhood club.” Mainoo said. “I wish you all the best for the future.”

It came after United slipped to their fourth Premier League defeat of the season at West Ham. They now sit in the bottom half of the table, having won one of their last eight games in all competitions.

In a statement, the club thanked Ten Hag for his work and wished him well for the future. Ruud van Nistelrooy has been named interim head coach as United recruit a permanent head coach.