Ex-Leicester defender Harry Maguire settled a low-quality FA Cup tie with a last-minute header that was clearly offside.
However, given there is no VAR in the FA Cup, the goal stood, and Leicester City can rightly feel hard done by having taken the lead just before half time.
It rounded off another poor United performance in which we only managed 4 shots on target, all of which came in the second half. There were 5 and 6-out-of-10 performances all over the pitch, and it was only the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho at half time that gave us any real attacking impetus.
Another shocking first half
Manchester United’s display in the opening 45 minutes was nothing short of abysmal, continuing our concerning form at Old Trafford. The home side failed to register a single shot on target in a tepid first-half performance that had the crowd growing increasingly restless, and at some points downright angry; getting on players’ backs for perceived errors. The midfield looked disjointed, with Bruno Fernandes struggling to influence the game and the attack appearing toothless.
Patrick Dorgu’s debut showed promise early but faded as the half wore on Amorim’s experiment with him on the right and Dalot on the left surely doesn’t have a future.
Leicester City’s deserved opener through Bobby De Cordova-Reid exposed familiar defensive frailties, with Andre Onana’s parried save from Ndidi falling kindly for the striker to head home. The lack of creativity and urgency in United’s play made for painful viewing, with the team looking bereft of ideas and confidence.
Gamechanger Garnacho
The introduction of Alejandro Garnacho at half-time proved to be the catalyst for a marginal improvement, though the overall performance remained well below the standards expected of Manchester United. The young Argentine injected some much-needed dynamism into United’s attack, causing Leicester’s defence problems with his direct running and creativity. His influence led to the equaliser, with his cross eventually finding its way to Joshua Zirkzee, who showed more composure than most of his teammates had all evening to find the back of net.
While United managed to snatch victory through Harry Maguire’s controversial stoppage-time header, the performance did little to ease concerns about the team’s trajectory under Ruben Amorim.
Zirkzee’s cameo offered glimpses of his potential, but the majority of the squad continued to underwhelm even as they improved upon their first-half showing. The fact that victory came through an offside goal from a set piece, rather than any real quality in play, only serves to paper over the cracks of another disappointing home display.
Player Performances and MOTM
Andre Onana (6/10):Not much to do but looked comfortable enough, decent on crosses.
Harry Maguire (7/10): Solid apart from the Ndidi goal, made up for it with the winner.
Leny Yoro (5/10): Struggled at time and probably better suited to the ‘centre centre back’ role currently occupied by Harry Maguire.
Noussair Mazraoui (6/10): Generally solid defensively and made some good bursts forward in the second half.
Diogo Dalot (6/10): Kept going and helped drive us forward second half, but still doesn’t look comfortable as an inverted wing back – play him on the right Reuben!
Manuel Ugarte (5.5/10): Gave the ball away for the goal but did keep going and always puts the work in.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10): First half was a 3, second half probably a 7, set up Maguire’s winner with a great set piece.
Patrick Dorgu (6/10): A promising debut, was a bit of a surprise to see him come off at half time
Amad Diallo (5/10): Kept trying but didn’t influence the game much at all.
Kobbie Mainoo (4/10): A poor outing; no influence on the game and was hooked for Zirkzee on 64′.
Rasmus Hojlund (4/10): Another bad night for the Dane. Seems bereft of confidence, compounded by plenty of fans in the ground getting on his back.
Subs:
Joshua Zirkzee (6.5/10): A decent cameo in which he held the ball up well, topped off by him grabbing the equaliser.
Garnacho (8/10 & MOTM): Head and shoulders above his teammates; he was bright, direct and had a hand in the first goal.
Casemiro (N/A): Came on in injury time.
Looking Ahead
United now have a week until we travel to fellow strugglers Spurs in the league. Reuben Amorim needs to get into the team in that time, because recent performances have been well below par.
A week is a long time in football though, and United have had a habit of showing up in the big games this season too.
In terms of the FA Cup, we’ll find out tomorrow evening who we’ll face in the fifth round.