Harry Maguire’s last-gasp header secured a 2-1 comeback victory for FA Cup holders Manchester United against Leicester City on Friday, spoiling Ruud van Nistelrooy’s return to Old Trafford.
With extra time looming, Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick found Maguire, who headed the ball home.
Leicester, struggling in the Premier League, took the lead late in the first half through Bobby De Cordova-Reid against a lacklustre United side that has struggled at home this season.
The introduction of Alejandro Garnacho at halftime injected new life into United’s attack, and fellow substitute Joshua Zirkzee levelled the score midway through the second half.
As the game headed towards a draw, Maguire, a former Leicester player, rose to meet Fernandes’ free-kick deep into stoppage time, sealing the win for United.
United manager Ruben Amorim, who has faced challenges implementing his tactics since his November arrival, described the performance as “poor.”
“We didn’t have any energy in the beginning, especially in the first half,” he told ITV.
“Then in the second half we played a little bit better, with a little more speed, winning second balls. Then we managed to turn things around so it was a good result but not a good performance. The coach is the first responsible. When one team doesn’t perform, doesn’t improve, it is the coach but we are here to do things and to see the game, to study the game and try to improve.”
United had scored eight goals in two games against Leicester earlier in the season during Van Nistelrooy’s interim spell at Old Trafford. This time, however, the former United striker was in the opposing dugout.
United, who won the FA Cup final against Manchester City last May, have been short on confidence recently, having lost five of their last seven home games in all competitions.
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