Maguire’s downs former membership with last-gasp winner
Manchester United secured a last-gasp victory over Leicester Metropolis within the FA Cup fourth spherical, regardless of an uninspiring total efficiency at Outdated Trafford.
A late winner from Harry Maguire, who headed in Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick, sealed a 2-1 win for the hosts, sparking jubilant celebrations inside Outdated Trafford.
Nevertheless, United rode their luck as VAR, inactive within the FA Cup till the fifth spherical, would have dominated the objective out for offside.
The primary half was a dismal affair for United, who did not register a single shot on track.
Leicester took full benefit, with Bobby De Cordova-Reid opening the scoring simply earlier than half-time.
Wilfred Ndidi’s low shot was properly saved by André Onana, however the rebound fell kindly to De Cordova-Reid, who made no mistake in heading the ball into the online.
Get in! The Reds depart it late however we’re within the hat for the fifth spherical 👏🎩#MUFC || #FACup
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 7, 2025
On the lookout for a spark, supervisor Ruben Amorim launched Alejandro Garnacho on the break, and the Argentine’s affect was quick.
United lastly confirmed some attacking intent, with Garnacho’s tempo and trickery tormenting the Leicester defence.
His persistence paid off within the 68th minute when he delivered a cross from the left, resulting in a lucky break for United. Rasmus Hojlund’s preliminary effort was blocked, however the ball fell to substitute Joshua Zirkzee, who coolly slotted house to deliver United degree.
From that second on, United dominated, with Garnacho on the coronary heart of each assault. He was unfortunate to not rating himself, having a shot cleared off the road and later hanging the side-netting.
Leicester, who had regarded comfy within the first half, discovered themselves more and more beneath stress however defended resolutely, seemingly forcing additional time.
Nevertheless, deep into stoppage time, United had been awarded a free-kick on the appropriate flank. Fernandes delivered a superbly floated ball into the field, the place Maguire rose highest to nod house in opposition to his former membership. Leicester gamers appealed for offside, however with no VAR to intervene, the objective stood, handing United a dramatic and controversial victory.
It was an escape for the hosts, who had been removed from their finest however managed to discover a manner by. Leicester will really feel onerous finished by, having managed massive spells of the match and defended admirably.
The victory sees Manchester United advance to the FA Cup Spherical of 16, protecting their hopes of silverware alive.
Amorim can be relieved but in addition conscious that his aspect’s inconsistent shows stay a significant concern.
For Leicester, it’s a merciless exit, however they will take coronary heart from their efficiency, notably within the first half, as they flip their focus again to their survival scrap.
