Manchester United Fight Back to Overcome Leicester in FA Cup Amid Late Drama

Manchester United staged a comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Leicester City on Friday, preserving their FA Cup title defence and denying Ruud van Nistelrooy a storybook return to Old Trafford.

Leicester, currently wrestling with relegation in the Premier League, took the lead late in the first half through Bobby De Cordova-Reid, capitalising on a lacklustre display from the home side, who struggled to create chances.

The introduction of Alejandro Garnacho at half-time injected new life into United’s attack, and fellow substitute Joshua Zirkzee equalised midway through the second half.

Ruben Amorim’s team pressed for a winner, and it finally came in the dying moments when Harry Maguire headed in a Bruno Fernandes free-kick during stoppage time.

Earlier in the season, United had netted eight goals in two encounters against Leicester when Van Nistelrooy briefly managed the team following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.

This time, however, the former United striker found himself in the Leicester dugout, taking a break from the struggles of the Premier League, where Leicester has suffered eight losses in their last nine games.

Despite lifting the FA Cup last May with a win over Manchester City at Wembley, United entered this match lacking confidence, having lost five of their last seven matches at home across all competitions.

The home side’s attack was uninspired in the opening exchanges, with Leicester’s Jordan Ayew testing Andre Onana early on.

Debutant Patrick Dorgu, who joined from Lecce before the January transfer deadline, missed a good chance by shooting over, while Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen nearly made a blunder when he fumbled the ball dangerously close to his own net.

However, the 2021 FA Cup winners Leicester left the Old Trafford faithful feeling despondent in the 42nd minute.

After Manuel Ugarte lost possession near the left touchline, Bilal El Khannouss reached the byline and laid the ball back for Wilfred Ndidi.

Onana made a foot save from Ndidi’s shot, but De Cordova-Reid capitalised on the rebound, heading the ball into the net from close range.

As the players left the field at half-time, they were met with a chorus of boos, having failed to register a shot on target.

Amorim responded by substituting Dorgu for Garnacho at the break in a bid to spark a revival.

Rasmus Hojlund injected some urgency early in the second half by breaking into the box, raising hopes among supporters.

Garnacho seemed poised to score with a deflected shot that looped over Hermansen, but Caleb Okoli managed an acrobatic clearance off the line.

Just moments later, United found parity as Garnacho continued to wreak havoc on the Leicester backline.

A flick from Hojlund found Garnacho’s cross, but Zirkzee was on hand to tap into an unguarded net, marking his fifth goal of the season.

United appeared more likely to grab a winner, but it wasn’t until the 93rd minute that Maguire found the net.

Despite appearing offside as the ball was delivered, there was no VAR intervention to challenge the goal.

Currently positioned 13th in the Premier League, United wrapped up the January transfer window having reduced their attacking options, with Marcus Rashford and Antony both departing.

Lisandro ‘Licha’ Martinez was absent due to a cruciate ligament injury sustained in the previous week against Crystal Palace.

In a show of support, United’s players wore training tops emblazoned with “Mucha Fuerza Licha” (Great Strength Licha).

To find all the match stats, click here.