Manchester United’s defender Harry Maguire has named ONE teammate who truly deserved Man of the Match award against Leicester City.
In a gripping FA Cup fourth-round clash at Old Trafford, Manchester United secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Leicester City, thanks to a late heroics from Harry Maguire. The experienced defender rose to the occasion in stoppage time, scoring a stunning header that many have hailed as one of the finest of the season. However, Maguire was quick to deflect the spotlight, instead commending young forward Joshua Zirkzee and insisting he deserved the Man of the Match award.
Leicester City set the tone early, taking the lead and showing they were not intimidated by the Red Devils’ home advantage. Manchester United boss Ruud van Nistelrooy was visibly frustrated with an offside call that influenced the game’s outcome. Reflecting on his team’s performance, he said, “The team played well—great pressing without the ball, controlled possession. We earned the right to be ahead at half-time… We should have taken this to extra time or even penalties. Calls like these at this level…”
Leicester’s coach, Ruben Amorim, acknowledged his side’s slow start but pointed out their improved display in the latter stages. He remarked, “We kept believing until the end, but this game was decided by factors beyond our control…”
Despite Leicester’s early dominance, United found their way back through an equalizer from Zirkzee. Then, in the dying moments, Maguire found the net in what appeared to be an offside position. However, without VAR in play, the goal stood, sealing a crucial win for United. This triumph was a rare bright spot in an otherwise challenging season at Old Trafford.
Speaking after the match, Maguire admitted, “The first half was nowhere near good enough… but we improved a lot in the second half.” He also took a moment to highlight Zirkzee’s impact, stating, “He put in an outstanding performance…”
Maguire’s remarks underline the team’s collective spirit, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individual contributions. Such gestures not only foster camaraderie but also serve as motivation for the squad.
With this victory, Manchester United advance to the next round of the FA Cup, keeping their silverware aspirations alive. As they navigate the challenges ahead, the unity and leadership displayed by Maguire will be crucial in their pursuit of success. While his remarkable goal will be etched in fans’ memories, it is his humility and team-first mentality that truly reflect the essence of Manchester United.
