Harry Maguire scored a dramatic late winner as Manchester United, the reigning FA Cup champions, staged a comeback to defeat Leicester City 2-1 on Friday night, thwarting Ruud van Nistelrooy’s dream return to Old Trafford.
Premier League strugglers Leicester took the lead just before half-time, with Bobby De Cordova-Reid putting them ahead against a lacklustre United, who appear to have lost their historical dominance at home.
The introduction of Alejandro Garnacho at the interval added a new dimension to United’s play, and fellow substitute Joshua Zirkzee brought the scores level midway through the second half.
Under the management of Ruben Amorim, Leicester pushed for a winner, but it was Maguire, a former Leicester player, who headed home a Bruno Fernandes free-kick deep into injury time to clinch the victory.
Amorim acknowledged his team’s “poor performance,” stating they struggled to implement his tactics during his first three months at United.
“There was a distinct lack of energy at the start, especially in the first half,” he remarked to ITV. “We improved a bit in the second half, exhibiting more pace and winning second balls.
“While we managed to turn the match around and secure a good result, the performance itself was lacking.
“As the coach, I bear the primary responsibility; when a team fails to perform and improve, it falls on me. However, we are committed to analysing the game and seeking ways to enhance our play.”
This encounter was notably different from earlier in the season, when United scored eight times against Leicester while Van Nistelrooy was temporarily in charge at Old Trafford following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.
This time, the former United striker found himself on the opposite bench.
After clinching the FA Cup last May with a victory over Manchester City, United are currently struggling with confidence, having lost five of their last seven home matches across all competitions.
Inconsistent United
The home team started sluggishly, failing to create clear-cut chances while Leicester’s Jordan Ayew forced Andre Onana into an early save.
The historic FA Cup winners from 2021 left the Old Trafford faithful with a sense of déjà vu when they took the lead in the 42nd minute.
Manuel Ugarte lost possession near the left touchline, allowing Bilal El Khannouss to reach the byline and cross for Wilfred Ndidi.
Onana managed a save with his feet, but De Cordova-Reid was there to nod in the rebound.
Disheartened, United’s players left the pitch at half-time to a chorus of boos, having failed to register a single shot on target.
Amorim made a tactical change at the break, bringing on Garnacho to replace debutant Patrick Dorgu in a bid to spark creativity, and the Argentine quickly became a threat to the Leicester defence.
The equaliser came through a fine effort from Garnacho on the left flank.
Rasmus Hojlund’s flick from Garnacho’s cross was blocked, but Zirkzee was on hand to tap into an unguarded net for his fifth goal of the season.
United seemed the more likely side to find a winner, which eventually came in the 93rd minute when Maguire headed home from a Fernandes set-piece.
There appeared to be an offside in the build-up, but VAR was not in play.
Van Nistelrooy expressed his frustration at the manner of the defeat.
“We weren’t beaten in Fergie time (a reference to former manager Alex Ferguson), we were beaten in offside time,” he stated.
“This was unnecessary. A VAR call could have made a difference; this was half a metre offside – clear as day. It’s tough to swallow.”
Currently sitting 13th in the Premier League, United have emerged from the January transfer window with fewer attacking options, having allowed both Marcus Rashford and Antony to leave on loan.
Adding to their woes, Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury sustained in last week’s defeat to Crystal Palace.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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