Manchester United vs Leicester: Claudio Ranieri says 'it's now or never' as Foxes boss returns to handshake superstition

Ranieri has called on his Leicester players to win the title at Old Trafford because the chance may not come around again

Claudio Ranieri has told is players it it 'now or never' to win the title (Getty)

Claudio Ranieri has challenged his Leicester City players to win the Premier League title at Manchester United on Sunday after warning that it could be ‘now or never’ for the club’s dream to be champions.

Leicester, 5000-1 outsiders to win the title at the start of the season, will be crowned champions for the first time in the club’s history if they defeat 20-time title winners United at Old Trafford.

But despite having led the Premier League table for weeks and having occupied a top four position virtually all season, Ranieri insists that Leicester will never get such a chance to win the league if they fail this season.

“Now is the real chance to win the title,” Ranieri said. “Next season, you never know. It is once in a lifetime.

“Next season, United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal will all be at the top.

“But we are fighting. I am pragmatic man and we need three points more.

“We are fighting to make this dream a reality, but it isn’t yet. I can understand all the happiness around the city, but we have to work.

“Sunday will be a very tough match and I have a lot of respect for Louis van Gaal and their fans, but we go with the same mentality.

“It is like the Hollywood movies. We want a happy ending.”

Ranieri’s team travel to Manchester with the city of Leicester dressing itself in blue in an attempt to inspire the team to the crucial three points.

But Ranieri, who renewed his superstition of shaking the hands of the reporters in the room at his pre-match press conference after forgetting to do so prior to the game which saw Jamie Vardy sent off, admits it is unusual for such outpourings of emotion and support before success has been achieved.

“I haven’t seen it (emotion) early, maybe after, not early,” Ranieri said. “In Italy, we are very superstitious.

For the first time in the club’s life, they can win the title. It is unbelievable, it is history

&#13; <p>Claudio Ranieri</p>&#13;

“I have felt a lot of emotion. People are waiting for us in the street, at the training ground, but I think they must say thank you to our chairman. He is building a very good team.

“I have not had this emotion and sentiment before. But I am very glad and happy when I see the fans happy. It is not only for me.

“I am very selfless and I am very open hearted to the fans.

“But I am relaxed. I have watched my players. They are enjoying, they want to fight, run and help each other.

“In sport, you don’t know what will happen, but when you know that the players are working well and they make the performance, but don’t win, what can you do? Nothing more.

“When they are training well, I am relaxed.”

An artist paints Claudio Ranieri's face onto a wall in Leicester (Getty)

Despite the inability of the city of Leicester to hold back on their celebrations – the local train station has been decked in blue and white bunting this week – Ranieri admits he understands the unique situation he and his players are in.

“It is not difficult to understand,” Ranieri said. “For the first time in the club’s life, they can win the title. It is unbelievable, it is history.

“It’s good that we are doing something special. Of course, I am very proud for everybody in Leicester and our community.

“There is a good feeling and a lot of interest and that is good.”