Manchester United have used the cup competitions in recent years to build momentum, and give fans something to cheer about. While this Friday night clash came with a positive outcome, it’s hard to see if the momentum can really be built upon as Fulham await in the next round. After getting past Arsenal earlier in the year, the visit of Leicester feels like a common theme of this season for Amorim’s side, and they look to use the return of Van Nistelrooy as a chance to boost confidence, but maybe it was more about luck than quality in this one.

The game was very poor in the first 45 from a United perspective, and only after a final third of the game revival could United keep hopes alive for retaining their title. With a hugely controversial winner late on, the Maguire redemption ark continues to shock, however the visiting legend in Van Nistelrooy will feel massively hard done by on this occasion.

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Teams

Amorim arguably went with his strongest XI available, although it was the bench players who made a big difference in the game, bringing in Garnacho and Zirkzee in particular who got United level shortly after their arrival. The bench was strong considering United’s injury worries, however perhaps the lack of additional attacking options could be seen as a problem as United relied on a centre back to bail them out of trouble.

For Leicester, they were without talismanic striker Jamie Vardy, and had he been available they may have taken a few more of their chances that they were creating. Despite this, the visitors used the players at their disposal to cause issues for United, with Daka having a decent showing, but ultimately they just lacked some cutting edge.

Manchester United: Onana, Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro, Dorgu (Garnacho 46′), Mainoo (Zirkzee 64′), Ugarte (Casemiro 90′), Dalot, Fernandes, Amad, Hojlund

Subs: Graczyk, Heaven, De Ligt, Lindelof, Eriksen, Collyer

Leicester City: Hermansen, Thomas (Coulibaly 58′), Okolu, Faes, Justin, Soumare, Ndidi (Winks 58′), Ayew, El Khannouss, Reid (McAteer 73′), Daka (Buonanotte 81′)

Subs: Stolarczyk, Coady, Skipp, Monga, Mavididi

Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City

Manchester United secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Leicester City in the FA Cup fourth round at Old Trafford on Friday night. The match appeared to be heading into extra time before Harry Maguire’s controversial stoppage-time header sealed the win for the holders. Joshua Zirkzee had earlier equalised for United, who had trailed since the 42nd minute when Bobby De Cordova-Reid gave Leicester the lead.

Leicester dominated the first half, with Patson Daka causing problems for the United defence and Jordan Ayew testing goalkeeper André Onana. The Foxes’ pressure paid off just before the break when Wilfred Ndidi’s shot was parried by Onana, allowing De Cordova-Reid to head in the rebound. United struggled to find rhythm, and manager Ruben Amorim made a tactical change at halftime, introducing Alejandro Garnacho in place of Patrick Dorgu.

The substitution had an immediate impact, with Garnacho creating chances and providing the assist for Zirkzee’s equaliser in the 68th minute. Zirkzee capitalised on a deflected shot from Rasmus Højlund, tapping the ball into an empty net. Despite increased pressure from United, Leicester held firm, and the match seemed destined for extra time.

In the dying seconds of stoppage time, Bruno Fernandes delivered a free-kick into the box, and Maguire rose to head the ball past Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. Television replays suggested Maguire was in an offside position, but with VAR not in operation until the fifth round of the FA Cup, the goal stood. Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy expressed his frustration, calling the decision “unacceptable” and suggesting his team deserved extra time.

United’s win sends them into the fifth round of the FA Cup, but the performance raised questions about their form under Amorim. The manager acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “The coach is the first responsible; when one team doesn’t perform, doesn’t improve, it is the coach.”

Talking Points

Manchester United narrowly secured a place in the FA Cup fifth round with a 2-1 win over Leicester City at Old Trafford, but the performance left much to be desired. Ruben Amorim’s side struggled to break down a determined Leicester defence, and it took a dramatic stoppage-time header from Harry Maguire to seal the victory. Despite the underwhelming display, United are still in the hunt to retain the trophy they won last season, but they will need to show much more in upcoming rounds if they are to successfully defend their crown.

The victory was marred by a controversial decision late in the game. Maguire’s header, which ultimately proved to be the match-winner, appeared to be in an offside position when he connected with Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick. However, with VAR not being used until the fifth round of the competition, the goal stood, much to the frustration of Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who felt his side had been hard done by. While United will take the win, it was clear that the decision will be a talking point long after the final whistle.

Once again, Manchester United were made to work harder than expected in the FA Cup. With the match level at 1-1 and no goals in sight, it seemed as though the tie was destined for extra time, a scenario United fans have become all too familiar with in recent seasons. While the team managed to clinch a late win this time, they were forced to rely on a late intervention rather than a commanding performance. As the tournament progresses, the need for a more clinical edge will become increasingly urgent if they hope to make a deep run and defend their FA Cup title.