Leicester City endured a heartbreaking exit from the FA Cup after a dramatic and controversial late goal secured Manchester United’s victory. Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy was left furious as his team saw their hopes dashed in the dying moments of the fourth-round clash at Old Trafford.
Heading into the match, Leicester aimed to pull off an upset against the Premier League giants. They made an excellent start, displaying impressive organization and intensity. Their efforts were rewarded when they took the lead in the first half, capitalizing on Manchester United’s sluggish and uninspired performance under Ruben Amorim. The visitors went into halftime with a 1-0 advantage, sensing a real opportunity to progress further in the tournament.
Recognizing the need for change, Amorim made tactical adjustments at the break. One of the most significant moves was introducing Alejandro Garnacho, the young Argentine winger, who brought an immediate spark to United’s attack. His pace and directness stretched Leicester’s defense, forcing them onto the back foot. Garnacho’s impact was felt almost instantly when he played a crucial role in United’s equalizer. His dynamic run and delivery set up Joshua Zirkzee, who made no mistake in finishing the chance and restoring parity for the home side.
As the game wore on, both teams pushed for a winner, with Leicester determined to reclaim the lead and United growing in confidence. However, just as the match seemed destined to head into extra time, a decisive and contentious moment unfolded in stoppage time. Manchester United won a late free-kick, which Bruno Fernandes expertly delivered into the penalty area. Harry Maguire rose highest to meet the cross, heading the ball past the Leicester goalkeeper to give United a dramatic 2-1 lead.
The Leicester players and coaching staff were left outraged as replays suggested Maguire was in an offside position when the free-kick was taken. Under normal circumstances, such a decision would be reviewed by VAR, potentially overturning the goal. However, due to FA Cup regulations, video assistant referees are only implemented from the fifth round onwards, meaning Leicester had no recourse for an appeal. Despite their protests, the goal stood, and with barely any time left to respond, Leicester suffered a cruel elimination from the competition.
Van Nistelrooy was visibly frustrated and voiced his disappointment after the final whistle. His side had delivered a commendable performance and were on the verge of a famous result, only to see it snatched away by a highly controversial decision. The defeat marked a bitter end to Leicester’s FA Cup campaign, leaving them to rue what might have been.
