Manchester United staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Leicester City 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday. A last-minute header from Harry Maguire kept United’s hopes of defending their FA Cup title alive while spoiling Ruud van Nistelrooy’s return to Old Trafford.
Leicester, currently struggling in the Premier League, took the lead in the first half when Bobby De Cordova-Reid found the back of the net. United looked uninspired in attack and failed to register a shot on target before halftime. The Old Trafford crowd voiced their frustration as the home side went into the break trailing.
Manager Ruben Amorim made changes at halftime, introducing Alejandro Garnacho in search of attacking creativity. The decision paid off as the young Argentine provided the spark United needed. Garnacho’s energetic play caused problems for Leicester’s defense, and his efforts helped create the equalizer.
Midway through the second half, Joshua Zirkzee capitalized on a flick from Rasmus Hojlund, tapping the ball into an empty net to bring United level. The momentum shifted in United’s favor, and they continued pressing for a winner.
As stoppage time ran down, United were awarded a free kick, and Bruno Fernandes delivered a perfect cross into the box. Maguire rose above the defense and powered a header past Leicester’s goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, sealing a dramatic victory for the home side.
The goal came under some controversy, as Maguire appeared to be in an offside position when the ball was played, but with no VAR in use, the decision stood.
Leicester’s recent struggles in the Premier League continued, having now lost eight of their last nine matches. Van Nistelrooy, who briefly served as United’s interim manager earlier in the season, experienced a tough return to Old Trafford from the opposing dugout.
United, sitting 13th in the Premier League, entered the match with concerns over squad depth. They allowed Marcus Rashford and Antony to leave in the January transfer window, reducing their attacking options. Adding to their woes, Lisandro Martínez was absent after suffering a serious knee injury.
Before kickoff, United’s players showed their support for Martínez by wearing training tops with the message “Mucha Fuerza Licha” (Great Strength Licha).
