Harry Maguire scores late as Man United defeat Leicester in FA Cup

Photo : AP

Harry Maguire scored a last-minute goal to help Manchester United win 2-1 against Leicester City in the FA Cup match on Friday. The game was tough for United, but they found a way to win in the final moments, stopping Ruud van Nistelrooy from having a happy return to Old Trafford.

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Leicester scored first near the end of the first half when Bobby De Cordova-Reid put the ball in the net. United looked weak and slow, and the fans were not happy. But things changed after halftime when Alejandro Garnacho came onto the field. He brought new energy to the team. Later, substitute Joshua Zirkzee scored the equalizer in the second half.

United kept pushing for another goal. Finally, in the 93rd minute, Maguire jumped high and headed a free-kick from Bruno Fernandes into the net. The goal gave United the victory and a place in the next round of the FA Cup.

Even though they won, United's manager was not fully happy. He said the team played poorly, especially in the first half, and needed to improve. "We had no energy in the beginning," he said. "We played better in the second half, but it was not a good performance overall."

Earlier in the season, United easily defeated Leicester, scoring eight goals in two matches. But this time, Leicester’s coach, Van Nistelrooy, who was once a star at United, wanted to beat his old club.

United’s struggles were clear before Maguire’s late goal. They had lost five of their last seven home games, and their confidence was low. They did not create many chances early in the match. Leicester’s Jordan Ayew had a good shot saved by United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Leicester finally scored in the 42nd minute. Manuel Ugarte lost the ball near the sideline. Bilal El Khannouss took advantage and passed to Wilfred Ndidi. Onana blocked Ndidi’s shot, but De Cordova-Reid quickly headed the ball into the goal, giving Leicester the lead.

United’s fans were upset and booed as the players left the field for halftime. The team needed a change, and the coach decided to bring in Garnacho. The young winger made an instant impact, troubling Leicester’s defense and creating chances.

United’s equalizer came after a great play by Garnacho on the left side. He sent a cross into the box, and Rasmus Hojlund flicked the ball. His shot was blocked, but Zirkzee reacted quickly and tapped the ball into the net.

With the score at 1-1, United became stronger and pushed for another goal. Their efforts paid off in the final seconds of the game. Fernandes took a free-kick, and Maguire jumped above everyone to head the ball into the goal. The stadium erupted in joy.

There were questions about whether Maguire was offside, but since there was no VAR, the goal stood. Van Nistelrooy was not happy. "We should have gone to extra time and had a fair chance to win," he said. "It is disappointing to lose like this."

United is struggling in the Premier League, and their squad is weaker after loaning out Marcus Rashford and Antony. To make things worse, Lisandro Martinez is injured and will be out for a long time.

Even with this win, United needs to improve. Their FA Cup journey continues, but they must fix their problems to succeed in future matches.