Manchester United secured a last-gasp victory over Leicester Metropolis within the FA Cup fourth spherical, regardless of an uninspiring total efficiency at Previous 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 Previous Trafford.
Nonetheless, United rode their luck as VAR, inactive within the FA Cup till the fifth spherical, would have dominated the purpose out for offside.
The primary half was a dismal affair for United, who didn’t 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 nicely 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 influence was instant.
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 residence to convey United stage.
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 snug within the first half, discovered themselves more and more below strain however defended resolutely, seemingly forcing additional time.
Nonetheless, deep into stoppage time, United have been awarded a free-kick on the suitable flank. Fernandes delivered a fantastically floated ball into the field, the place Maguire rose highest to nod residence towards his former membership. Leicester gamers appealed for offside, however with no VAR to intervene, the purpose stood, handing United a dramatic and controversial victory.
It was an escape for the hosts, who have been removed from their greatest however managed to discover a approach by. Leicester will really feel arduous carried out by, having managed giant spells of the match and defended admirably.
The victory sees Manchester United advance to the FA Cup Spherical of 16, conserving 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’ll take coronary heart from their efficiency, significantly within the first half, as they flip their focus again to their survival scrap.
