Manchester United captain Harry Maguire scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as the FA Cup holders came from behind to defeat Leicester City 2-1 and secure their place in the fifth round of the competition.
However, the goal was marred by controversy, with the defender appearing to be in an offside position when he headed home, but with no Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in use at this stage of the tournament, the decision stood.
With the match heading toward extra time and potentially penalties, United won a free-kick deep into stoppage time. Bruno Fernandes delivered a pinpoint ball into the penalty area, and Maguire rose highest to nod it past Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
While replays suggested the England defender may have been marginally offside, the assistant referee did not raise his flag, and without VAR to review the decision, the goal was awarded.
The late drama provided a much-needed boost for Manchester United, who had suffered five defeats in their previous seven home games at Old Trafford.
Their fans had every reason to be concerned when Leicester took the lead just before half-time in what had been a largely uneventful opening period.
Leicester’s goal came in the 42nd minute when Bobby De Cordova-Reid reacted quickest to a rebound after Wilfred Ndidi’s powerful shot was parried by United goalkeeper Andre Onana.
The ball looped up invitingly for the winger, who made no mistake with a close-range header to put the visitors ahead.
United struggled for rhythm in the first half but were much improved after the break, thanks in part to the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho.
The Argentine winger injected pace and creativity into the attack, causing repeated problems for the Leicester defence. His impact paid off in the 67th minute when he delivered a teasing cross into the box.
Rasmus Hojlund’s initial shot was blocked, but substitute Joshua Zirkzee was on hand to calmly slot home the rebound, bringing United level and shifting the momentum firmly in their favor.
From that point on, Erik ten Hag’s side looked the more likely to find a winner. Leicester defended resolutely but were undone in the dying moments when Maguire’s controversial goal settled the contest in United’s favor.
Leicester players and fans were visibly frustrated by the decision, with replays suggesting the goal could have been ruled out had VAR been in place. However, with the technology only used in later rounds, their protests fell on deaf ears.
Despite the controversy, Manchester United advance to the fifth round as they continue their FA Cup defense. For Leicester, it was a bitterly disappointing end to an otherwise impressive performance against top-flight opposition.
United manager Erik ten Hag praised his team’s resilience after the match, saying, “We showed great character to come back and win the game. It was important for us to get this result and keep our momentum in the competition.”
Leicester boss Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, expressed his frustration over the late goal, stating, “It’s difficult to accept because we feel Maguire was offside. But the decision has been made, and we have to move on.”
With the victory, Manchester United will now await their next opponent in the fifth round draw, while Leicester shift their focus back to their push for promotion in the Championship.
