'Nowhere near good enough' - Harry Maguire takes aim at Man Utd's 'slow' start to FA Cup clash against Leicester as defender nets last-gasp winner

Maguire found the net in stoppage time to seal United’s place in the last 16 of the FA Cup. However, it was a controversial strike, as there were questions regarding whether he was offside when Bruno Fernandes delivered the cross. With no VAR in the FA Cup, the goal was allowed to stand despite heated debates.

Earlier in the match, United fell behind four minutes before halftime after Bobby De Cordova-Reid put Leicester ahead. The hosts struggled to break through the Foxes’ defence until the second half when Joshua Zirkzee equalised in the 68th minute. With extra time looming, Maguire’s late goal proved decisive, securing United’s progression in the competition.

United’s lacklustre first half prompted changes from Ruben Amorim, with Garnacho and Zirkzee coming off the bench to inject much-needed energy into the attack. The manager later complained of a lack of energy in the first half and Maguire echoed the same sentiment.

“(It was a) great finish to the game,” Maguire said. “The second half we played a lot better. The first half was nowhere near good enough, we played at a slow tempo and we didn’t really get going. He (Garnacho) made a big impact. He always does that when he comes off the bench, so credit to him, he’s ready, he’s focused.”

The victory marked a historic first for Manchester United, as it was the third time they had beaten the same team at Old Trafford in a single season. The Red Devils previously triumphed 5-2 in the League Cup and 3-0 in the Premier League against Leicester, making this a rare feat in the club’s history.

With their place in the FA Cup last 16 secured, Amorim’s side will now turn their attention back to the Premier League. Their next fixture sees them travel to face Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday, in a match that will be crucial for both teams as they look to climb the table after inconsistent campaigns.