Manchester United secured a dramatic 2-1 victory against Leicester City with a decisive goal in the 93rd minute, reviving memories of the "Fergie time" era. Harry Maguire scored the winning goal at Old Trafford, converting a Bruno Fernandes free kick into an unforgettable finish. However, the match was not without controversy, as Leicester City's manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, questioned the legitimacy of Maguire's position when the goal was scored.
Leicester City initially took the lead before halftime with Bobby De Cordova-Reid's header. The home team, Manchester United, struggled significantly in the first half, failing to register a single shot on target. This marked the third occasion this season where Manchester United has failed to shoot on target in the opening half of a game. Manager Ruben Amorim expressed his dissatisfaction with his team's performance, particularly their lackluster display in the first half.
"We had to believe until the end but this game has nothing to do with the time of Fergie. I think the performance, we have to do so much better with the ball, without the ball," – Ruben Amorim
Despite their initial struggles, Manchester United displayed improved vigor in the second half. The team played with increased speed and demonstrated greater resilience in winning second balls. Amorim highlighted the importance of attention to detail in football.
"I think it's the small things, if you see the games sometimes it's to control the ball, to have the ball, don't give the ball away in the first pressure. It's the small things, it's the big things, it's everything," – Ruben Amorim
Leicester City's manager, van Nistelrooy, voiced his discontent over what he perceived as an offside position of Maguire during the crucial free kick.
"This was half a meter [offside]. Then extra time, stay in the game, you never know what happens." – Ruud van Nistelrooy
The introduction of VAR in the fifth round of the FA Cup this season could address such contentious decisions in future matches. Despite the controversy, Amorim maintained that their victory was independent of any nostalgic references to Sir Alex Ferguson's era.
"It's this moment, it's hard away but especially at home but we have to cope with that and we will try to do it next game." – Ruben Amorim
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