Harry Maguire’s Last-Minute Header Seals Manchester United’s FA Cup Comeback Against Leicester
Harry Maguire netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Manchester United came from behind to defeat Leicester City 2-1 and secure their place in the FA Cup fifth round.
With the match heading toward extra time, Bruno Fernandes delivered a precise free-kick into the box, allowing Maguire to head home the decisive goal. Despite appearing offside, the absence of VAR at this stage of the competition meant the goal stood, leaving Leicester fans frustrated.
United had suffered five home defeats in their last seven games, and their supporters feared the worst when Bobby De Cordova-Reid put Leicester ahead just before halftime. He capitalized on a rebound from Wilfred Ndidi’s shot, which was parried into his path by Andre Onana.
However, Manchester United responded strongly in the second half, with Alejandro Garnacho’s introduction making an immediate impact. The young winger’s dangerous deliveries troubled Leicester, and his cross led to the equalizer—Rasmus Hojlund’s shot was blocked, but substitute Joshua Zirkzee pounced to slot home.
United continued to press for the winner, and in the dying moments, Maguire rose highest to head in Fernandes’ delivery, sending Old Trafford into celebration. Despite controversy over his position, the goal stood, and United advanced.
Key Match Events:
42’ – Bobby De Cordova-Reid heads home after Onana’s initial save (Man Utd 0-1 Leicester)
68’ – Joshua Zirkzee scores the equalizer after Hojlund’s shot is blocked (Man Utd 1-1 Leicester)
93’ – Harry Maguire heads in the match-winning goal (Man Utd 2-1 Leicester)
Line-Ups:
Manchester United XI: Onana, Dalot, Maguire, Yoro, Dorgu, Ugarte, Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Fernandes, Hojlund, Mazraoui
Subs: Eriksen, Casemiro, Lindelof, De Ligt, Zirkzee, Garnacho, Hubert Graczyk, Collyer, Ayden Heaven
Leicester City XI: Hermansen, Justin, Faes, Okoli, Thomas, Soumaré, Ndidi, Cordova-Reid, El Khannouss, Ayew, Daka
Subs: Coady, Winks, Mavididi, Skipp, Coulibaly, Stolarczyk, McAteer, Buonanotte, Monga