Controversial Offside Decision Seals Man Utd's FA Cup Victory Over Leicester

In a dramatic FA Cup fourth-round clash, Manchester United edged past Leicester City with a controversial 2-1 victory, thanks to a stoppage-time header by Harry Maguire. The goal, however, was shrouded in controversy as it appeared Maguire was offside when Bruno Fernandes delivered the decisive free-kick.

The Decisive Moment

With the scores level at 1-1 and the game deep into injury time, Maguire rose to head home a Fernandes free-kick. Replays suggested the defender was half a metre offside, but with VAR not in use until the FA Cup fifth round, the on-field officials' decision stood.

Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy was furious, calling the moment 'offside time' rather than the famous 'Fergie time' often associated with late Manchester United goals. 'We are gutted,' Van Nistelrooy said. 'The game was decided on a clear and obvious mistake, which is unacceptable at this level.'

Why No VAR?

The Football Association had decided not to implement VAR until the fifth round of the competition, citing infrastructure and cost challenges. This decision left Leicester at the mercy of human error. 'With VAR, it's not a goal,' admitted Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim, who acknowledged his team's luck.

Garnacho Shines

While the controversy dominated the headlines, Alejandro Garnacho emerged as a key figure for United. Introduced at half-time, the winger's pace and creativity turned the tide in United's favor. It was his cross that led to Joshua Zirkzee's equalizer before Maguire's late winner.

Leicester's Heartbreak

Leicester had taken the lead through Bobby De Cordova-Reid in the first half and looked set to take the game to extra time. But the late goal, coupled with the lack of VAR intervention, left them heartbroken. Van Nistelrooy emphasized the impact of the error, stating, 'It's a hard one to take because the game was decided on a mistake.'

What's Next?

Manchester United will carry the momentum into their next round, while Leicester must regroup. The debate around VAR's presence in all stages of the FA Cup will undoubtedly continue, as this match highlighted the fine margins that can determine outcomes in football.