Craig Burley was not shy in his analysis of Manchester United after their thrilling 2-1 win against Leicester City in the FA Cup. United overcame an early deficit at Old Trafford, with a last-minute header from Harry Maguire and a goal from Joshua Zirkzee sealing their fourth-round victory. The match seemed destined for extra time until Maguire's decisive goal in the 93rd minute, following a free kick by Bruno Fernandes. United manager Ruben Amorim noted improved performance in the second half, acknowledging the slow tempo of their first half. Although Maguire's winner appeared offside according to TV replays, the linesman allowed the goal, as VAR is not implemented until the fifth round of the FA Cup. Leicester's manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, expressed frustration over the result, emphasizing the team's belief they deserved extra time. Despite the victory, it marked only United's third win in their last eight matches at home, suggesting that the performance required improvement. Maguire highlighted this sentiment, stating, 'We probably deserved to go into half-time losing.' The first half was indeed a struggle for United as Leicester capitalized on a rebound from a blocked shot, scoring through Bobby De Cordova-Reid. Zirkzee's equalizer showcased the impact of substitutes like Alejandro Garnacho, who was pivotal in the match's turnaround. Maguire's last-minute goal, although controversial, added to his redemption narrative after being on the transfer list two summers prior. As United navigate through their challenges, the win offers a glimmer of hope for fans.
