Manchester United secured their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Leicester City at Old Trafford. Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time header proved to be the difference after Joshua Zirkzee had canceled out Bobby Decordova-Reid’s opener for the Foxes.
United struggled in the first half, failing to register a shot on target before conceding just before the interval. However, substitutes Alejandro Garnacho and Zirkzee provided the spark in the second half, turning the game around before Maguire’s last-minute winner sealed the comeback.
First Half: Leicester Strike First
United’s lackluster start saw them struggle to break down Leicester’s defense. Ruben Amorim handed a first start to Patrick Dorgu, but the Danish wing-back failed to make an impact, with the home side lacking rhythm and urgency.
Leicester capitalized on United’s defensive lapse in the 43rd minute. Manuel Ugarte lost possession in midfield, leading to a quick Foxes attack. Wilfred Ndidi’s initial effort was parried by Andre Onana, but Decordova-Reid reacted fastest to slot home the rebound, giving Leicester a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Second Half: United’s Substitutes Change the Game
Amorim made a crucial change at halftime, bringing on Alejandro Garnacho for Dorgu. The Argentine’s introduction immediately lifted United’s energy, and his driving run down the left flank created the equalizer in the 64th minute.
Garnacho cut the ball back into the box, allowing substitute Joshua Zirkzee to finish from close range – marking United’s first shot on target in the game.
With momentum now on United’s side, they continued to push for a winner. Leicester, despite holding firm for most of the second half, eventually cracked under pressure.
Late Drama: Maguire’s Header Secures the Win
Just when it seemed the game was heading for extra time, Bruno Fernandes delivered a perfect free-kick in stoppage time, finding Harry Maguire unmarked at the back post. The former Leicester defender powered a header past Mads Hermansen, securing a 2-1 win for United.
Maguire appeared to be in an offside position, but with no VAR in use for this fixture, the goal stood, sparking wild celebrations inside Old Trafford.
Manchester United Player Ratings
| Position | Player | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Andre Onana | 6.4/10 |
| CB | Leny Yoro | 6.9/10 |
| CB | Harry Maguire | 8.0/10 ⭐ |
| CB | Noussair Mazraoui | 7.9/10 |
| RWB | Patrick Dorgu | 6.5/10 |
| CM | Manuel Ugarte | 7.9/10 |
| CM | Bruno Fernandes (c) | 8.7/10 🏆 |
| LWB | Diogo Dalot | 7.2/10 |
| AM | Amad Diallo | 7.8/10 |
| AM | Kobbie Mainoo | 6.6/10 |
| CF | Rasmus Hojlund | 6.5/10 |
| SUB | Alejandro Garnacho (46’ for Dorgu) | 7.1/10 |
| SUB | Joshua Zirkzee (64’ for Mainoo) | 7.8/10 |
| SUB | Casemiro (90’ for Ugarte) | N/A |
Leicester City Player Ratings
| Position | Player | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Mads Hermansen | 5.6/10 |
| RB | James Justin | 6.6/10 |
| CB | Wout Faes | 5.9/10 |
| CB | Caleb Okoli | 6.4/10 |
| LB | Luke Thomas | 6.5/10 |
| CM | Wilfred Ndidi | 6.7/10 |
| CM | Boubakary Soumare | 6.8/10 |
| RM | Bobby Decordova-Reid | 7.5/10 ⚽ |
| AM | Bilal El Khanouss | 6.5/10 |
| LM | Jordan Ayew | 5.9/10 |
| CF | Patson Daka | 6.4/10 |
| SUB | Woyo Coulibaly (58’ for Thomas) | 5.7/10 |
| SUB | Harry Winks (58’ for Ndidi) | 6.3/10 |
| SUB | Kasey McAteer (72’ for Decordova-Reid) | 5.9/10 |
| SUB | Facundo Buonanotte (81’ for Daka) | N/A |
Player of the Match: Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd) 🏆
Key Takeaways from United’s Win
🔴 Bruno Fernandes delivered another masterclass – providing a brilliant assist for Maguire’s winner and running the midfield.
⚽ Maguire proved decisive with a powerful header, continuing his strong form.
🔄 Garnacho and Zirkzee changed the game, adding pace and directness in attack.
📉 Leicester’s poor run continues, struggling defensively yet again.
What’s Next?
Manchester United advance to the FA Cup fifth round, keeping their hopes of silverware alive this season. Amorim’s side will now turn their focus back to the Premier League, looking to build momentum in the top-four race.
For Leicester, it’s another frustrating defeat. Van Nistelrooy’s team must regroup quickly as they push for promotion back to the Premier League.
Can Manchester United maintain this form? Share your thoughts below! 🔴⚽🔥
