Man Utd comeback a hark back to glory days - but current woes still glaringly obvious
Man Utd comeback a hark back to glory days - but current woes still glaringly obvious
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Harry Maguire was one of four Manchester United players in an offside position when he stooped to head in their 93rd-minute winner. But with no VAR at this stage of the FA Cup and the referee's assistant on that side failing to spot the clear infringement, the goal was allowed to stand. United got away with that clear injustice but, given their wretched form and fragile confidence, Ruben Amorim's side will take any break they can to breathe life into their moribund season.
For an hour, this was as bad as it gets from United, Amorim's players trailing Leicester after another insipid and lacklustre performance, which has been a recurring theme this campaign. The introduction of Alejandro Garnacho for the second-half proved the catalyst for United's comeback, along with fellow sub Joshua Zirkzee, who got them back on level terms, before Maguire's late winner. United may be abysmal in the Premier League, currently languishing in 13th place, but they have no such concerns in cup competitions, with Amorim possessing a 100 per cent record in the FA Cup and Europa League since taking charge in November.
It was an emotional return to Old Trafford for Ruud van Nistelrooy who, as caretaker United boss earlier in the season, twice beat Leicester in his four-game spell in charge, before taking over at the Foxes. And for a significant chunk of the game, with his side leading through Bobby De Cordova-Reid's 42nd-minute header, it looked like being a victorious return for the former United striker, until fate conspired against him and his spirited group of players.
The visitors conjured the first chance after six minutes, Patson Daka laying the ball off to Jordan Ayew, whose long-range effort proved no trouble for United goalkeeper Andre Onana. At the other end, United's new signing Patrick Dorgu showcased the pace Amorim referenced as one of his chief assets, sprinting down the right, only to see his cross for Kobbie Mainoo intercepted. The Foxes looked the more likely to score first and duly took the lead three minutes before half-time, Manuel Ugarte losing the ball under pressure from Boubakary Soumare, who in turn found Bilal El Khannouss.
His cross was met by Wilfred Ndidi, whose first-time shot was saved by Andre Onana, only for the rebound to fall straight to De Cordova-Reid, who headed the ball into the net from close range. It was no more than Leicester deserved, for they played with more enterprise, conviction and fluency than United throughout the first-half, Amorim's side once again devoid of any energy or creation. Dorgu was subbed at the break, replaced by Garnacho, but in truth, Amorim could have subbed any of his players, given how shoddy they were, even by this season's woeful standards.
Even when they did get sight of the Leicester goal, they were thwarted, Caleb Okoli producing a superb goal-line clearance, thudding the ball against the bar and back into the arms of keeper Mads Hermansen, after Garnacho looked to have equalised. But their pressure paid off with a leveller in the 68th minute, sub Joshua Zirkzee afforded the simplest of finishes – with his first touch of the ball - after Ramus Hojlund's initial effort had been blocked.
United were awarded a dubious free-kick for handball in the final minute of added time, which Bruno Fernandes slung in, Maguire planting his head on the ball to send the home fans into delirium – an all-too rare feeling at Old Trafford this season. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
