Manchester United came from behind to beat Leicester 2-1 on Friday, keeping their FA Cup defence alive and denying Ruud van Nistelrooy a fairytale return to Old Trafford.
Manchester United kept their FA Cup title defense alive with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Leicester City at Old Trafford on Friday night. The match, which marked Ruud van Nistelrooy’s return to his former club, saw United struggle in the first half before turning the game around in the second, thanks to crucial goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Harry Maguire.
Despite Leicester taking the lead late in the first half through Bobby De Cordova-Reid, second-half substitutions by United manager Ruben Amorim changed the course of the match. Alejandro Garnacho’s introduction provided the spark United desperately needed, while Zirkzee’s equalizer and Maguire’s stoppage-time header ensured a dramatic victory.
Slow Start and First-Half Frustration for Manchester United
United, who had struggled in recent weeks with five losses in their past seven home games, were desperate for a confidence-boosting performance. However, their first-half display was lackluster and uninspired, failing to register a single shot on target before the break.
Leicester, who have been battling their own struggles in the Premier League, were organized defensively and posed a threat going forward. Jordan Ayew forced an early save from Andre Onana, while debutant Patrick Dorgu fired over the crossbar after a promising move.
In the 42nd minute, Leicester found the breakthrough. Manuel Ugarte lost possession near the left touchline, allowing Bilal El Khannouss to drive to the byline and cut the ball back to Wilfred Ndidi. Onana blocked Ndidi’s effort with his feet, but De Cordova-Reid reacted quickest, nodding home from close range to give the Foxes a 1-0 lead before halftime.
As United’s players walked off to a chorus of boos, the pressure on Amorim and his team intensified.
Garnacho’s Impact Changes the Game
Recognizing the need for urgency, Amorim made a crucial halftime change, introducing Alejandro Garnacho in place of Dorgu. The Argentine winger immediately injected pace and directness into United’s attack, energizing both his teammates and the crowd.
Rasmus Højlund had an early second-half chance, bursting into the box and forcing a reaction from Leicester’s defenders. Then came a moment of brilliance from Garnacho, whose deflected shot looped over goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, only for Caleb Okoli to make a stunning clearance off the line.
United finally broke through moments later, thanks to more impressive work from Garnacho down the left flank. His dangerous cross into the box saw Højlund’s flick deflected, allowing Zirkzee to tap into an empty net, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 64th minute.
With momentum swinging in their favor, United continued to push for a winner, dominating possession and piling pressure on Leicester’s defense.
Maguire’s Late Winner Amid Controversy
Just when it seemed like the match was heading for a replay, United found a dramatic late winner deep into stoppage time.
Bruno Fernandes delivered a pinpoint free-kick into the box, and Harry Maguire rose highest to head the ball past Hermansen in the 93rd minute. The goal sent Old Trafford into celebration mode, but Leicester’s players protested, arguing that Maguire was offside when the ball was played.
With no VAR in use for this FA Cup fixture, the goal stood, sealing a hard-fought 2-1 victory for United.
Van Nistelrooy Denied Dream Return to Old Trafford
For Ruud van Nistelrooy, this was far from the return he had hoped for. The former Manchester United striker, who had a brief spell as interim manager at Old Trafford earlier this season, was looking to pull off a shock victory with his struggling Leicester side.
Having already suffered eight defeats in their last nine Premier League matches, Leicester needed a confidence boost, and for much of the first half, they looked capable of pulling off an upset. However, United’s quality and squad depth proved decisive in the end.
Manchester United’s Injury Concerns & Transfer Window Challenges
United’s problems, however, are far from over. The team ended the January transfer window with fewer attacking options, having allowed Marcus Rashford and Antony to leave.
Defensively, the situation is even worse. Argentine center-back Lisandro “Licha” Martinez was absent after suffering a serious cruciate ligament injury during last week’s defeat to Crystal Palace.
Before kickoff, United players wore training tops displaying the message “Mucha Fuerza Licha” (Great Strength Licha) in support of their injured teammate.
FA Cup Defense Continues – What’s Next for United?
Despite their inconsistent form, Manchester United remain in contention for silverware, keeping their FA Cup title defense alive. Having beaten Manchester City in last year’s final, Amorim’s squad will now shift focus to the next round, hoping to build momentum as they fight to turn their season around.
For Leicester, this loss adds to their woes, but they will now focus on their Premier League survival battle.
As for United, this comeback victory was a much-needed morale boost, but tougher tests lie ahead as they look to restore their dominance.
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