Harry Maguire scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Manchester United staged a late comeback to beat Leicester City 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth round, spoiling Ruud van Nistelrooy’s return to Old Trafford.
Bobby De Cordova-Reid put Leicester ahead just before halftime, capitalising on a sluggish first-half performance from United.
However, the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho after the break injected much-needed energy into the hosts. Fellow substitute Joshua Zirkzee equalised in the second half, and Maguire secured victory deep into stoppage time, heading in a Bruno Fernandes free-kick against his former club.
United manager Ruben Amorim admitted his team’s performance was below par despite the result.
“We lacked energy in the first half,” Amorim told ITV. “We played with more urgency in the second half, but overall, it was a poor performance. We need to improve.”
Van Nistelrooy, who previously managed United on an interim basis, was left frustrated, particularly as Maguire’s winner appeared to be offside. With no VAR in place, Leicester had no recourse for review.
“We deserved extra time,” Van Nistelrooy said. “Decisions like this are hard to accept at this level.”
United, the FA Cup holders, struggled for confidence after a poor run of home form but avoided another setback, booking their place in the next round as they aim to defend their title.
