Manchester United secured their place in the next round of the Emirates FA Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Leicester City at Old Trafford.
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First Half – A Late Setback for United
The opening half saw a balanced contest, with both teams battling in midfield and struggling to break down defensive lines. Early on, Leicester’s Jordan Ayew tested André Onana with a well-struck effort, but the United goalkeeper comfortably gathered the shot.
United had a few promising moments, particularly through Amad Diallo and debutant Patrick Dorgu, who combined well on the right flank. However, their attempts failed to trouble Leicester's keeper, Mads Hermansen.
As the first half neared its end, Leicester seized the initiative. Bilal El Khannouss created a chance from the left wing, pulling the ball back for Wilfred Ndidi, whose shot was blocked by Onana. However, Bobby De Cordova-Reid reacted quickly, heading home the rebound from close range to give the Foxes a 1-0 lead just before halftime.
Second Half – Garnacho Sparks United’s Comeback
Recognizing the need for a change, manager Amorim introduced Alejandro Garnacho at the break, replacing Dorgu. The move immediately injected energy into United’s attack. Within seconds of the restart, Rasmus Højlund surged down the right but was muscled off the ball at a crucial moment.
Garnacho made a swift impact, almost scoring in the 61st minute. His clever chip over Hermansen seemed destined for the net, but Leicester defender Caleb Okoli produced a stunning clearance off the line, deflecting the ball onto the crossbar.
United, however, remained relentless, and just moments later, Garnacho was back in the thick of the action. Driving into the box, he found Højlund, whose flick was blocked. But substitute Joshua Zirkzee was in the right place at the right time to fire in the equalizer in the 68th minute, shifting momentum in United’s favor.
Dramatic Finish – Maguire Seals the Victory
With both teams pushing forward, Leicester had their own dangerous moments, but United’s defense, led by Noussair Mazraoui, held firm.
As the game edged toward extra time, Bruno Fernandes lined up a crucial free-kick. United needed a hero, and Harry Maguire delivered. Rising at the back post in stoppage time, the former Leicester defender nodded in Fernandes’ precise cross to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory in the 93rd minute.
The late winner ensured that Manchester United advanced to the next round, maintaining their hopes of FA Cup glory in thrilling fashion.
Match Details
Manchester United Lineup:
Starting XI: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Mazraoui; Dorgu (Garnacho 46), Ugarte (Casemiro 90+4), Fernandes (c), Dalot; Amad, Mainoo (Zirkzee 64); Højlund.
Unused Substitutes: Graczyk, Lindelöf, De Ligt, Heaven, Eriksen, Collyer.
Goals: Zirkzee 68’, Maguire 90+3’.
Booked: Ugarte.
Leicester City Lineup:
Starting XI: Hermansen; Justin, Okoli, Faes, Thomas (Coulibaly 58); Ndidi (c) (Winks 58), Soumare; De Cordova-Reid (McAteer 73), El Khannouss; Ayew, Daka (Buonanotte 81).
Unused Substitutes: Stolarczyk, Coady, Skipp, Mavididi, Monga.
Goal: De Cordova-Reid 42’.
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