FA Cup: Harry Maguire’s late header seals Manchester United’s comeback towards Leicester Metropolis | Soccer Information

NEW DELHI: Manchester United‘s FA Cup defence remained alive as they staged a outstanding comeback to defeat Leicester Metropolis 2-1 on Friday evening at Previous Trafford.
The match witnessed a fairytale return for former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was within the opposition dugout as Leicester’s interim supervisor.
The primary half was a irritating affair for the house aspect, as they struggled to create significant possibilities.
Leicester took the lead within the forty second minute by Bobby De Cordova-Reid, who nodded house from shut vary after Wilfred Ndidi‘s preliminary effort was saved by Andre Onana.
United’s supervisor, Ruben Amorim, recognised the necessity for a change and launched Alejandro Garnacho at halftime, a transfer that proved to be a game-changer. The younger Argentine winger injected tempo and directness into United’s assault, inflicting issues for the Leicester defence.
The equaliser arrived halfway by the second half when fellow substitute Joshua Zirkzee tapped in from shut vary after Rasmus Hojlund’s flick from Garnacho’s cross was blocked.
With the momentum firmly of their favour, United pushed for a winner, and it got here deep into stoppage time. Harry Maguire rose highest to go house a Bruno Fernandes free-kick, sparking wild celebrations at Previous Trafford.
Whereas the purpose seemed to be offside, the shortage of VAR within the FA Cup meant the choice stood, and United secured a hard-fought victory.
The match held added significance for Ruud van Nistelrooy, who had loved a quick spell as United’s interim supervisor earlier within the season following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.
Throughout his tenure, United had scored eight objectives in two video games towards Leicester, however this time, the Dutchman was on the receiving finish of a United comeback.
For United, the win supplied a much-needed increase after a latest run of poor type at house, the place that they had suffered 5 defeats of their earlier seven matches throughout all competitions.
The absence of key gamers like Lisandro Martinez, who sustained a cruciate ligament harm towards Crystal Palace, and the January departures of Marcus Rashford and Antony, had left United gentle in attacking choices.
Nonetheless, the introduction of Garnacho and Zirkzee’s affect highlighted the depth in United’s squad.
Because the FA Cup defence continues, United will take confidence from their means to grind out a end result towards a decided Leicester aspect. The comeback victory not solely saved their hopes of silverware alive but additionally supplied a well timed reminder of the resilience and combating spirit that has been an indicator of profitable United groups all through their illustrious historical past.