Old Trafford celebrated another injury-time winner, as Manchester United came from behind to beat Leicester City by two goals to one in the FA Cup.
In a forgettable encounter, devoid of the attacking flair witnessed in the side’s previous two meetings, Harry Maguire profited from lacklustre defending to seal the tie in front of a jubilant wall of Red.
But this was far from straightforward for Ruben Amorim, and the Portuguese tactician looked a disgruntled figure throughout, particularly as he exited the field at half-time to a deafening array of boos.
However, safe passage into the next round was the aim before a ball was kicked, and few will remember an abject showing if this side can recreate the heroics from last season’s cup-winning campaign.
Harry Maguire has the final say at Old Trafford
Amorim named an impressive starting XI for the fourth FA Cup meeting between the sides, with new-signing Patrick Dorgu slotting in at right wing-back following his January move.
Rasmus Hojlund was restored to the team after a highly publicised false-nine system failed to return the desired result against Crystal Palace.
The sides had already met twice this season, with Ruud van Nistelrooy leading the Reds to Premier League and Carabao Cup victories during his interim period in the hotseat.
Although goals have become scarce in the North West, memories of the eight scored during both outings supplied added incentive for the rewards of trusting attack against the struggling Foxes.
Once a fortress in domestic and continental competitions, Old Trafford no longer possesses the fear factor exploited throughout Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure. Five defeats in the last seven outings indicate a worrying vulnerability.
Van Nistelrooy was visibly pleased with his side’s performance during an impressive 15-minute opening, and they appeared more confident throughout the early exchanges.
Despite many in the press box trying to make sense of Amorim’s wing-back selection, Dorgu saw plenty of the ball and was unphased by the daunting lights of Manchester. Alongside Amad, the pair were fluid in their movement and interchange, offering the most likely sign of breaking the deadlock.
With 30 minutes played, possession and passes (220) were even, as were goal attempts (two).
I’ve spoken about the sensation of Groundhog Day in recent months, and this felt like an encounter that neither side wanted to lose. Those in attendance were flat, and the contest was the byproduct of two teams devoid of confidence.
It was a game crying out for a spark – something to ignite a sense of attacking intent – and, much to the dismay of those in attendance, Bobby De Cordova-Reid gave the visitors the lead with three minutes of the first half remaining.
Manuel Ugarte was caught in possession deep in the United half before the impressive Bilal El Khannouss tore down the left flank and delivered a dangerous ball to the edge of the penalty area.
Wilfred Ndidi’s first-time effort was denied by Andre Onana directly onto the head of the De Cordova-Reid, who guided home with ease. Shockingly, for the seventh time in eight home games, the 20-time English champions have conceded first.
The players exited the field for the break to a worrying chorus of boos from a visibly disgruntled Manchester crowd.
Alejandro Garnacho was introduced in place of Dorgu for the restart, leaving subsections of the stadium perplexed at the withdrawal of one of their team’s few bright sparks.
The substitution signalled a slight shift in structure as Amad moved to the right wing-back spot, with the Argentine attacker partnering Mainoo in the attacking positions.
Thankfully, the half began promisingly through the ball-starved Hojlund, as the Dane injected a meaningful run from deep, returning a passionate response from the Stretford End.
Disregarding a bizarre foul throw from Noussair Mazraouoi, the Reds were motivated to improve their final-third presence and threatened once more from long-range. It was hardly vintage United, but this was at least an improvement.
However, added intensity is hardly a benchmark for applause, and the home side failed to test Mads Hermansen in the Leicester net after an hour of play. Joshua Zirkzee entered for Mainoo with 30 remaining.
The crossbar prevented an equaliser moments later, thanks in large to the defensive efforts of Caleb Okoli.
Garnacho burst into the area and saw his effort deflected over a helpless Hermansen before Okoli was on hand to smash the ball into the woodwork amid jubilant celebrations from the travelling defence.
But Amorim celebrated his side’s leveller three minutes later, and it would be difficult to say that it was undeserved.
Garnacho sent another dangerous ball into the area for Hojlund to attempt an ambitious near-post flick before his effort deflected into the path of Zirkzee to tap home from three yards.
This signalled an inevitable red onslaught, with a wave of attacks pouring down both youthful flanks. United continued to grow, holding 70% of the ball and dictating matters across the field.
In response, Ruud’s men retreated into tight defensive blocks, attempting to see out regulation ahead of the prospect of earning a reprieve through extra time.
With three minutes of injury time signalled, United received one last throw of the dice through a deep set piece.
Cometh the hour and the man, as Harry Maguire converted a 93rd-minute header at the far post to seal a 2-1 victory and progression to the fifth round.
It was far from pretty, and there will be plenty of conversations regarding tactical positioning and selection. But safe passage to the next round was the aim, and Manchester United have achieved just that.
What are your thoughts following a forgettable night in the North West? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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