Manchester United Edges Leicester 2-1 in FA Cup Thriller \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Harry Maguire scored a dramatic injury-time winner as Manchester United defeated Leicester City 2-1 in the FA Cup. Leicester led at halftime through Bobby De Cordova-Reid, but Joshua Zirkzee equalized before Maguire’s debated goal secured United’s spot in the last 16. Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy was frustrated by the decision, as no VAR was available in the competition.
Manchester United’s FA Cup Comeback Quick Looks
- Harry Maguire’s late goal secured a 2-1 FA Cup victory over Leicester.
- Leicester led at halftime through Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s goal.
- Joshua Zirkzee equalized in the second half after a strong United push.
- Maguire’s winner sparked controversy, with Leicester claiming offside.
- No VAR in the FA Cup, meaning the goal stood despite protests.
- Ruud van Nistelrooy was frustrated, believing Leicester deserved extra time.
- United made history, winning three home matches against Leicester this season.
Manchester United’s FA Cup Victory: A Deep Look
Manchester United secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Leicester City in the FA Cup, with Harry Maguire’s injury-time winner proving to be the decisive moment. The match, played at Old Trafford, saw Leicester take the lead in the first half through Bobby De Cordova-Reid before United responded with a second-half equalizer from Joshua Zirkzee. However, the game ended in controversy as Maguire’s last-minute goal stood despite Leicester’s protests of offside, with no VAR available in the competition.
The victory ensured that United advanced to the last 16 of the FA Cup, marking a historic milestone for the club as they beat Leicester for the third time at Old Trafford this season. Meanwhile, the loss left Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy frustrated, believing his side was denied a fair chance at extra time.
Leicester’s Strong Start and First-Half Lead
Leicester came into the match as underdogs, but they started on the front foot, applying early pressure on Manchester United’s defense. Their pressing and quick ball movement unsettled United, who struggled to create attacking momentum in the opening minutes.
As the game progressed, United tried to establish control, but Leicester’s defensive setup remained disciplined. The visitors finally broke the deadlock just four minutes before halftime when a mistake by Manuel Ugarte led to the opening goal. The midfielder was dispossessed near the touchline, allowing Bilal El Khannouss to deliver a precise low cross into the box. Wilfred Ndidi’s first-time effort took a deflection off Bobby De Cordova-Reid, sending the ball past the goalkeeper to give Leicester a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
United’s first-half performance lacked urgency and rhythm, with the team struggling to break through Leicester’s compact defensive lines. Manager Ruben Amorim’s halftime talk was expected to spark a reaction as the Red Devils needed to find a way back into the game.
United’s Second-Half Comeback Inspired by Substitutes
Recognizing the need for change, Amorim made a crucial decision early in the second half, bringing on Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee, two attacking players who would change the game’s momentum.
United immediately looked more dangerous, and the equalizer came in the 68th minute. Garnacho, who had been lively down the left flank, drove at the Leicester defense before delivering a precise cross into the box. Zirkzee was in the right place at the right time, slotting home with a simple tap-in, leveling the score at 1-1.
The goal lifted United, who continued to push for a winner, while Leicester dropped deeper in an effort to hold on for extra time. Despite their efforts, United’s relentless attacks eventually broke through in dramatic fashion.
Maguire’s Last-Minute Winner Sparks Controversy
With the match seemingly heading for extra time, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes launched a long ball into the box in stoppage time. Harry Maguire rose above the Leicester defense and powered a header into the net, sending Old Trafford into a frenzy.
However, Leicester players immediately protested, claiming Maguire was offside when the ball was played. Replays suggested the call was marginal, but with no VAR in the FA Cup, the referee’s on-field decision stood, allowing United to secure the 2-1 victory.
After the game, Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy voiced his frustration, calling the decision “hard to swallow” and insisting that his team deserved extra time. He argued that Maguire was half a meter offside, and in a match of this magnitude, such decisions should not be left to chance.
Historic Achievement for Manchester United
Beyond securing their place in the FA Cup’s next round, this victory marked a significant milestone for Manchester United. For the first time in the club’s long history, they defeated the same opponent three times at Old Trafford in a single season.
- League Cup: 5-2 victory over Leicester
- Premier League: 3-0 victory over Leicester
- FA Cup: 2-1 victory over Leicester
This achievement highlights the dominance United has had over Leicester this season, despite the Foxes putting up a strong fight in this cup clash.
Maguire and Amorim Reflect on United’s Performance
After the game, Harry Maguire shared his thoughts on the dramatic finish, acknowledging that United’s first-half performance was poor.
“The first half was nowhere near good enough. We played at a slow tempo and didn’t really get going. But the second half was much better.”
Maguire also praised Alejandro Garnacho’s impact, stating that the young Argentine winger “always makes a difference” when coming off the bench.
For Ruben Amorim, the win was another positive step in his early tenure as United’s new head coach. His tactical adjustments, particularly the introduction of Garnacho and Zirkzee, proved instrumental in securing the comeback victory.
Meanwhile, for Ruud van Nistelrooy, the loss was a bitter blow. The Dutchman, who previously served as an interim manager at United before moving on to Leicester, had been hoping to lead his side to a cup upset. Instead, Leicester exited the competition under frustrating circumstances.
What’s Next for United and Leicester?
Manchester United will now shift their focus to the FA Cup last 16, where they will look to continue their pursuit of silverware under Amorim. The team’s improved second-half display will give fans hope that United can build momentum moving forward.
For Leicester, the focus will now return to their domestic league campaign, as they aim to secure a strong finish and push for promotion in the Championship. While their FA Cup journey ends in disappointment, Van Nistelrooy will be encouraged by his team’s resilience and strong first-half performance.
The controversial ending will remain a talking point, but in the end, Manchester United found a way to win, keeping their FA Cup dream alive.
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