Harry Maguire emerged as the hero of the night as Manchester United secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Leicester City to become the first team to book their place in the FA Cup Round of 16.

Emotional Subplot with Van Nistelrooy’s Leicester

The match carried extra significance, as Ruud van Nistelrooy, now managing Leicester, briefly held the interim managerial role at United during a transitional period. His tenure at Old Trafford was more successful than Leicester’s current struggles, but his side put up a strong fight.

Late Drama at Old Trafford

The visitors took the lead just before halftime, capitalizing on United’s defensive lapse. Bobby De Cordova-Reid pounced on a loose ball at the penalty area and slotted it past the goalkeeper.

United responded in the second half when a fortunate ricochet landed at the feet of Joshua Zirkzee, who tapped into an empty net to level the score.

However, the defining moment came deep into stoppage time. Maguire, making a crucial attacking contribution, rose highest to meet a cross from the left flank and powered a header past the Leicester goalkeeper, sealing a dramatic victory for the Red Devils.

2024-25, England - FA Cup

Manchester United - Leicester 2:1 (0:1)
Goals: De Cordova-Reid, 42 (0:1); Zirkzee, 68 (1:1); Maguire, 90+3 (2:1)

Manchester United: Onana A.; Maguire; Yoro; Dalot; Dorgu (Garnacho, 46); Mazraoui; Fernandes B.; Ugarte (Casimiro, 94); Mainoo (Zirkzee, 64); Höjlund R.; Diallo
Bench: Lindelöf; de Ligt; Heaven; Collier; Eriksen C.
Yellow Cards: Ugarte 84

Leicester: Hermansen; Justin; Faes; Okoli; Ndidi (Winks, 58); Thomas L.J. (Coulibaly W., 58); Soumare B.; El Khannouss; De Cordova-Reid (McAteer, 73); Jordan Ayew; Daka (Buonanotte, 81)
Bench: Stolarczyk J.; Coady; Skipp; Mavididi