Manchester United secured a win of the latest Gasp over Leicester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup, despite the unconditional overall performance at Old Trafford.
A late winner by Harry Maguire, who headed to Bruno Fernandes’s free kick, sealed a 2-1 win for the hosts, challenging festive celebrations at Old Trafford.
However, United led their luck as a VAR, inactive in the FA Cup until the fifth round, it would have decided the target for the offside.
The first semester was a sad affair for United, which failed to record a single plan on the target.
Leicester took full advantage of Bobby de Cordova opening the scoring shortly before halftime.
Wilfred Ndidi’s low shot was well saved by André Onana, but the recovery was kindly fell to De Cordova-Reid, who did not make a mistake in the ball in the net.
Enter! Reds leave it late, but we are in the hat for the fifth round 👏🎩#Murnc || #Facup
– Manchester United (@manutd) 7 February 2025
Searching for a spark, director Ruben Amorim introduced Alejandro Garnacho on the break and the Argentinean impact was immediate.
United has finally shown some aggressive intention, with Garnacho’s rhythm and tricket torturing Leicester’s defense.
His persistence was attributed to the 68th minute when he gave a cross from the left, leading to a lucky break for United. Rasmus Hojlund’s initial effort was blocked, but the ball fell to replace Joshua Zirkzee, who coolly put home to bring United Level.
From that moment on, United dominated Garnacho at the heart of every attack. He was unlucky not to score himself, having a shot cleared from the line and later hit the side net.
Leicester, who had been comfortable in the first half, was increasingly under pressure, but defended decisively, seemingly forcing extra time.
However, deep in stopping time, United was awarded a free kick on the right side. Fernandes gave a beautiful floating ball to the box, where Maguire increased high to get home against his former club. Leicester players appealed for the offside, but without the VAR intervening, the goal stood, providing United a dramatic and controversial victory.
It was a getaway for the hosts, who were far from the best, but they managed to find a way. Leicester will feel hard from, having checked great spells of the race and defended wonderfully.
Niki sees Manchester United go on to the FA Cup round, maintaining their hopes for silverware.
Amorim will be relieved, but will also realize that the inconsistent screens on his side remain significant concern.
For Leicester, it is a tough exit, but they can get the heart from their performance, especially in the first half, as they focus on the fragments of survival.
2025-02-08 01:10:00
