It will be an emotional return to Old Trafford for Ruud van Nistelrooy, who will be in the opposition dugout as a manager for the first time when his Leicester City side face Manchester United.
Leicester’s reward for beating QPR in the Third Round of the FA Cup was an all-Premier League tie on Friday night.
Van Nistelrooy admitted he didn’t want Man United as he preferred to face a lower league side and boost the Foxes’ chances of advancing through to the next round.
Man United have been accused of ‘exploiting’ Leicester fans due to ticket prices for the game, with some as expensive as £61 and lots choosing not to travel.
For Van Nistelrooy, it will also be the first time he faces new United boss Ruben Amorim.
The 39-year-old replaced the Dutchman after his spell as interim manager, with Amorim deciding not to keep Van Nistelrooy on.
Both have had challenging starts to their lives at their respective clubs, but how do they compare?
Ruud van Nistelrooy vs Ruben Amorim managerial record
Amorim and Van Nistelrooy were both appointed at very similar times, with the former beginning his tenure on 11 November and the current Leicester boss being appointed on 30 November.
Due to Man United’s European commitments, Amorim has had more games in charge of the Red Devils but overall, the two managers have been in charge for roughly the same amount of time.
Leicester and Man United’s struggles have been well-documented and it’s clear to see from their respective records.
Since taking the reins at the King Power Stadium, Van Nistelrooy has only won three games in charge of the Foxes – two of those being Premier League victories.
On the other hand, Amorim has won nine of his 19 games, but he has an extra competition in the form of the Europa League.
Amorim also averages a better points-per-game ratio of 1.53 whereas the Foxes boss has averaged 0.83.
| Stat | Ruud van Nistelrooy | Ruben Amorim |
| Game in charge | 12 | 19 |
| Wins | 3 | 9 |
| Draws | 1 | 2 |
| Losses | 8 | 8 |
| PPG (Points-per game) | 0.83 | 1.53 |
Ruud van Nistelrooy on Ruben Amorim
Although Amorim chose not to keep Van Nistelrooy on as part of his backroom staff, there was certainly no hard feelings between the two.
After his departure the Dutchman admitted that there was a tinge of sadness that he’d no longer be working at the club he loves but still had plenty of admiration for the new manager.
“The moment I took over the interim job what I said was I’m here to help United and to stay to help United, and I meant it,” Van Nistelrooy told BBC Sport.
“So, I was disappointed, very much so, and it hurt I had to leave.
“In the end, I got my head ’round it because I also understand the new manager. I’m in football long enough and I’ve managed myself. I understand.
“I spoke to Ruben about it, fair enough to him, the conversation was grateful, man to man, person to person, manager to manager.
“That helped [me] a lot to move on and straightaway get into talks with new possibilities which of course lifted my spirits.”