Share

All eyes on record chasing Vardy

Leicester - All eyes will be on Leicester striker Jamie Vardy on Saturday when he tries to become the first player to score in 11 consecutive Premier League games in a top-of-the-table showdown with Manchester United.

Vardy equalled the record held since 2003 by former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy when he took his scoring streak into double figures with one of Leicester's goals in their 3-0 win at Newcastle last Saturday.

Fittingly, England international Vardy, 28, who joined Leicester from Fleetwood Town in 2012, will set the new mark if he scores against United when his league leaders host second-placed United at the King Power Stadium.

While Vardy can't stop scoring, with 13 goals in the league so far this season, United are struggling to find the net.

Their 19 goals in 13 league games is the lowest total in the top seven and their struggles in front of goal are threatening to undermine their hopes of winning a first trophy since 2013.

United's failure to score against Championship side Middlesbrough saw Louis van Gaal's side go out of the League Cup on penalties last month and, potentially more seriously, another blank on Wednesday against PSV Eindhoven could prove costly to their Champions League prospects.

Victory over the Dutch champions would have taken United into the last 16, but following a 0-0 draw, their fourth such result in seven matches, they must now win their final Group B game away to Wolfsburg to guarantee going through.

"Of course I am worried," admitted van Gaal about United's lack of potency in front of goal.

United captain Wayne Rooney, the club's leading scorer with six goals, of which only two have come in the Premier League.

United could not point to injuries as an excuse for their latest low-key performance in midweek as Rooney, Anthony Martial and Marouane Fellaini all returned from missing last weekend's 2-1 Premier League win at Watford which took them up to second place.

Van Gaal's perceived style of play, lacking tempo and a creative edge, has come in for criticism from supporters and pundits.

But a victory at Leicester, who have lost just once at home this season, would ease some of the tension by taking United above Claudio Ranieri's side to the top of the league.

United winger Ashley Young is confident of a positive result to ease the disappointment of failing to advance in Europe.

"Leicester are the leaders, so this is a top-of-the-table clash. We'll be looking to keep up the good form we've shown in the league over the last few weeks, and hopefully get the three points," Young said.

"We've just got to pick ourselves up now and go again at the weekend."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE