Manchester United staged a late comeback to secure their place in the FA Cup fifth round, overcoming an early setback against Leicester City. The visitors struck first, capitalizing on a rebound following Andre Onana’s save from Wilfred Ndidi’s effort. Bobby De Cordova-Reid was in the right place to head home, giving Leicester the advantage in a first half that lacked significant attacking moments from the hosts.
Manchester United struggled to create clear chances in the opening period, failing to register a shot on target. With their recent poor home form—having lost five of their previous seven matches at Old Trafford—fans might have expected another disappointing result.
Garnacho’s Impact Sparks United Revival
The introduction of Alejandro Garnacho at halftime proved decisive for the Red Devils. Replacing debutant Patrick Dorgu, the Argentine winger injected much-needed energy into the attack, repeatedly troubling the Leicester defense. He came close to scoring himself when Caleb Okoli made an incredible goal-line clearance that also struck the crossbar.
United’s equalizer stemmed from Garnacho’s dangerous play. His delivery into the box found Rasmus Hojlund, whose initial shot was blocked, but Joshua Zirkzee reacted quickest to slot the ball into the net, leveling the contest. With momentum shifting, United pressed forward in search of a winner.
Controversial Maguire Goal Secures Victory
As the match entered stoppage time, Manchester United delivered the decisive blow. Bruno Fernandes sent a free-kick into the penalty area, where Harry Maguire rose to head the ball past the goalkeeper. Leicester’s players protested, believing the defender was in an offside position, but with no video assistant referee (VAR) in use at this stage of the competition, the goal stood.
The victory provided some relief for United in an otherwise challenging campaign under manager Ruben Amorim. Currently sitting 13th in the Premier League, their hopes of European qualification may now rest on success in either the FA Cup or the Europa League. While this result will offer a boost, only time will tell if it marks a true turning point in their season.
