Once upon a time, Manchester United failing to beat Leicester City was nothing more than an urban legend.
Between 1999 and 2020, United only lost to the Foxes twice.
That’s right, twice in 21 years.
Admittedly, the two teams went a whole decade without playing each other, whilst Leicester languished in the lower divisions.
But even so, to keep up such incredible dominance is admirable on the Red Devils’ behalf.
That was until 2021 reared its ugly head.
Foxtrot to defeat
In the space of 52 days, Brendan Rodgers recorded the same number of victories over United as his predecessors managed in 21 years.
Last season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side played Leicester three times and failed to win any of them.
Two uninterrupted failures – one in the FA Cup and Premier League – succeeded a 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium.
A blemish on the once squeaky-clean document of past Manchester managers.
Solskjaer has the chance to put a cross through the run of losses and scribble a big W next to United’s name when the pair meet again in just under two weeks.
So how can the Norwegian avoid a third consecutive setback against Leicester for only the second time in the club’s illustrious history?
Based on the most recent evidence, perhaps squad rotation is key to success.
Or rather, refraining from squad rotation.
Where did it all go wrong?
When the Reds travelled to the East Midlands on Boxing Day last December, Solskjaer brought a raft of changes with him.
Eight in total from the previous game, a 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Everton.
Admittedly, the Leicester tie arrived just three days later, but to reshuffle the pack so violently was always going to be risky.
The points were shared, but the baby-faced assassin failed to learn his lesson for the follow-up meeting.
Again, Solskjaer looked to reassemble for the FA Cup clash in March.
Only five of his players remained from the Europa League success against AC Milan that same week.
Surprise surprise, Leicester ran away 3-1 victors.
Third time lucky perhaps?
Unfortunately, it seemed the script had already been written.
Solskjaer decided for an almost entirely altered line-up for the third assembly with Leicester after the 3-1 conquest of Aston Villa.
10 modifications in all; Mason Greenwood remained the one survivor.
Granted, this particular tie came just over 48 hours after United’s trip to Villa Park.
Therefore, Solskjaer’s methods were partially understandable.
But his rearranged orchestra simply couldn’t string a tune together and were crushed 2-1.
So, depending of course on availability, Solskjaer must simply stick to his best XI against Leicester.
Unfortunately, it’s not quite clear yet what that is.
With Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw potentially absent, the back-line might look different.
But the front four – or even front six – should start to be picking itself by now.
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