In a thrilling encounter, Manchester United made a dramatic comeback to defeat Leicester City 2-1 in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday. The Red Devils were on the brink of extra time, but a last-minute header from Harry Maguire, coupled with a goal from Joshua Zirkzee, ensured United advanced to the next stage of the competition.
Match Summary
| Event | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Leicester Goal | 42nd min | Bobby De Cordova-Reid reacts quickly to a rebound and scores. |
| Manchester United Equalizer | 68th min | Joshua Zirkzee finishes after a blocked shot from Rasmus Hojlund. |
| Manchester United Winner | 93rd min | Harry Maguire heads home a Bruno Fernandes free-kick. |
Key Moments & Highlights
- First Half Struggles:
Manchester United struggled to break down Leicester City in the first half. Despite creating a few chances, the Red Devils failed to find the back of the net, and Leicester capitalized on a defensive lapse just before halftime. Wilfred Ndidi’s shot was blocked by goalkeeper Andre Onana, but Bobby De Cordova-Reid was quick to react, heading the rebound into the net. - Zirkzee’s Impact:
After coming on as a substitute in the second half, Joshua Zirkzee made an immediate impact. In the 68th minute, he was in the right place at the right time, tapping home from close range after a blocked effort from Rasmus Hojlund. - Maguire’s Late Drama:
With the game nearing its conclusion and extra time looming, Harry Maguire emerged as the hero for United. The veteran defender powered in a header from a pinpoint free-kick by Bruno Fernandes in the 93rd minute, sending the Old Trafford crowd into a frenzy. This late goal sealed the victory for Manchester United, securing their spot in the next round of the FA Cup.
Player Performances
- Harry Maguire (Manchester United):
Maguire proved his worth with a match-winning header in the dying moments of the game. His leadership and presence at the back were crucial in the latter stages, particularly as Leicester threatened to hold on for a win. - Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United):
The Dutch striker made an instant impact as a substitute, scoring the equalizer. His sharp positioning and composure in front of goal were key to United’s revival. - Andre Onana (Manchester United):
Despite conceding the opening goal, Onana made some important saves during the match, including a vital block from Wilfred Ndidi’s shot. His overall performance, though overshadowed by the late drama, was a steady presence in goal. - Bobby De Cordova-Reid (Leicester City):
De Cordova-Reid’s reaction to the blocked shot was crucial in giving Leicester City the lead, but the visitors were unable to hold onto their advantage as United’s pressure mounted in the second half.
Key Stats
| Stat | Manchester United | Leicester City |
|---|---|---|
| Shots on Target | 5 | 3 |
| Possession | 55% | 45% |
| Pass Accuracy | 85% | 81% |
| Corners | 7 | 3 |
| Fouls Committed | 12 | 10 |
Manchester United’s dramatic 2-1 win over Leicester City in the FA Cup was a testament to their fighting spirit. Despite a poor first half and going behind, the Red Devils came back with goals from Zirkzee and Maguire. The match will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they look to build momentum in both domestic and European competitions. Leicester City, on the other hand, will be left to reflect on a missed opportunity after taking the lead late in the first half.
United will now look ahead to their next challenge in the FA Cup, while Leicester will have to regroup for their upcoming league fixtures.
Check also: FA Cup Match Preview: Manchester United vs Leicester City
