As the tournament advances, United must resolve their inconsistencies to strengthen their chances of competing for the title…
In a dramatic FA Cup fourth-round clash at Old Trafford, Manchester United edged past Leicester City with a 2-1 victory, courtesy of a contentious stoppage-time header from Harry Maguire. The match was a tale of two halves, with United’s first-half lethargy giving way to a spirited comeback, largely inspired by substitute Alejandro Garnacho.
First Half: A Lackluster Display
Manager Ruben Amorim’s decision to
hand a debut to Patrick Dorgu raised
eyebrows, especially with the youngster
deployed in an unfamiliar right wing-
back role. This tactical choice seemed to
backfire as United struggled to find
rhythm and cohesion. The midfield duo
of Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes
failed to assert control, leading to a
disjointed performance.
Leicester capitalized on United’s disarray
just before the interval. A lapse in
concentration allowed Wilfred Ndidi to
unleash a close-range effort, which
goalkeeper Andre Onana could only
parry into the path of Bobby De Cordova-
Reid, who made no mistake from close
range. This marked the seventh time in
eight home games that United conceded
first, a worrying trend for Amorim’s side.
Second Half: Garnacho’s Game-Changing Introduction
Recognizing the need for urgency,
Amorim introduced Alejandro Garnacho
at halftime, replacing the ineffective
Dorgu. The young Argentine winger
injected much-needed pace and
creativity into United’s attack. His direct
running and willingness to take on
defenders immediately put Leicester on
the back foot.
Garnacho’s impact was palpable. In the
68th minute, he delivered a pinpoint
cross into the box, which substitute
Joshua Zirkzee converted, leveling the
score. This was United’s first shot on
target, underscoring their earlier
offensive struggles.
Late Drama: Maguire’s Controversial Winner
As the match seemed destined for extra
time, United won a free-kick deep into
stoppage time. Bruno Fernandes
delivered a teasing ball into the box, and
Maguire rose highest to head home.
Replays indicated that the United captain
was in an offside position, but with VAR
not in operation until the fifth round of
the FA Cup, the goal stood, much to
Leicester’s chagrin.
Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy
was visibly frustrated post-match,
lamenting the officiating and the absence
of VAR. “It’s disappointing to be on the
wrong end of such a decision,” he
remarked. “The players gave their all and
deserved at least a chance in extra time.”
Player Ratings
– **Andre Onana (Goalkeeper):** Made a
crucial save but could only parry into De
Cordova-Reid’s path for the opener.
Otherwise, had a relatively quiet game.
*Rating: 6/10*
– **Leny Yoro (Center-Back):** Showed
composure beyond his years, making
timely interceptions and clearances.
*Rating: 7/10*
– **Harry Maguire (Center-Back):**
Defensively solid and scored the decisive
, albeit controversial, winner. *Rating:
8/10*
– **Noussair Mazraoui (Center-Back):*
* Comfortable in possession but was
caught out of position on a few
occasions. *Rating: 6.5/10*
– **Patrick Dorgu (Right Wing-Back):**
Struggled in an unfamiliar role and was
substituted at halftime. *Rating: 5/10*
– **Manuel Ugarte (Central Midfield):**
Lacked influence in the first half but
grew into the game as it progressed.
*Rating: 6/10*
– **Bruno Fernandes (Central
Midfield):** Provided the assist for the
winning goal but was otherwise below
his usual standards. *Rating: 6.5/10*
– **Diogo Dalot (Left Wing-Back):**
Offered width but his crossing was
inconsistent. *Rating: 6/10*
– **Amad Diallo (Attacking Midfield):**
Showed flashes of brilliance but lacked
end product. *Rating: 6/10*
– **Kobbie Mainoo (Attacking
Midfield):** Struggled to make an impact
and was replaced in the second half.
*Rating: 5.5/10*
– **Rasmus Hojlund (Striker):** Isolated
for large parts and failed to register a
shot on target. *Rating: 5/10*
Substitutes:
– **Alejandro Garnacho:** Transformed
United’s attack with his directness and
provided the assist for the equalizer.
*Rating: 8/10*
– **Joshua Zirkzee:** Made an immediate
impact by scoring the equalizer. *Rating:
7/10*
– **Casemiro:** Brought on to shore up
the midfield in the dying minutes.
*Rating: N/A*
Conclusion
While the victory propels Manchester
United into the FA Cup fifth round, the
performance left much to be desired. The
team’s recurring habit of starting
sluggishly and conceding early will be a
concern for Amorim. However, the
resilience shown in the second half,
spearheaded by the dynamic Garnacho,
offers a silver lining. As the competition
progresses, United will need to address
these inconsistencies to mount a serious
challenge for the trophy.
navlistMaguire’s Controversial Winner
Sends Man Utd to FA Cup Fifth
Roundturn0news10,turn0news11,turn0
news12
