It is latest from Manchester United VS Leicester City that Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri wants a ‘motion picture style’ consummation of the season as the Foxes hope to secure the Premier League title at Old Trafford on Sunday. Triumph away to Manchester United would see Leicester, who led second-put Tottenham by seven points, delegated champions with two games still to play. Regardless of the possibility that they neglect to beat United, the Foxes just need three points from three games to be sure of finishing top.
Having barely escaped assignment last season, Leicester are very nearly a standout amongst the most exceptional and far-fetched successes in sporting history. A group that cost less than £30m to assemble and had odds of 5,000-1 to win the league last August requires just three more points to topple the Premier League’s first class.
“It’s a good opportunity but for this reason we have to be focused. Let me be calm, wait, we have time,” Ranieri added.
“I told them: ‘Everything is in our hands and we must continue.’ Other people can enjoy it but I am very concentrated.”
Meanwhile, United manager Louis van Gaal says his side are planning on “postponing” rather than “spoiling” Leicester’s title celebrations.
“I think we have to beat them because we are still in the race for fourth position,” the Dutchman said.
“We cannot allow that they are the champions this weekend at Old Trafford. I think they shall be the champions a week later. We don’t spoil the party, only postpone it a little bit.”
Guy Mowbray: “I bet you’ve heard the same as me this week a few times: ‘I think United will beat Leicester’.
“Yes, they’re being doubted to the end.
“What can (surely?!) no longer be in doubt is that Leicester WILL be Premier League champions, and could emulate Arsenal in 2002 by confirming it at the ground that’s held more title parties than any other.
“It will have to be properly earned at Old Trafford though, with United motivated by their chase for a top-four finish and possibly a US-style ‘not in our house’ approach.
“May Day is symbolically the start of fresh, new beginnings. How very appropriate for what Leicester have given to football this season.
“‘St. Claudio’s Day’ anyone?”
