Manchester United secured their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Leicester City at Old Trafford. However, the performance left much to be desired, with manager Ruben Amorim expressing his dissatisfaction despite the positive result.
The first half was a stark reminder of United’s ongoing struggles, as Leicester, currently battling relegation in the Premier League, dominated proceedings. The Red Devils’ midfield trio of Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, and Bruno Fernandes failed to assert control, allowing the visitors to dictate the tempo. This lacklustre start culminated in Bobby Decordova-Reid opening the scoring for Leicester, exposing United’s defensive frailties.
Amorim’s tactical acumen came to the fore in the second half, with his substitutions proving pivotal. The introduction of Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee injected much-needed energy and purpose into United’s attack. Zirkzee’s equaliser and Garnacho’s overall impact highlighted the depth of United’s squad, but also raised questions about the starting lineup’s effectiveness.
The winning goal, courtesy of Harry Maguire in stoppage time, was a moment of controversy and fortune. Despite appearing offside, the goal stood, securing United’s progression in the competition they won last season.
Amorim’s post-match comments were refreshingly candid, acknowledging the team’s shortcomings while emphasising the need for improvement. “We have to believe it until the end, but this time has nothing to do with the time of Fergie,” Amorim told ITV, distancing his team from the legendary comebacks of Sir Alex Ferguson’s era. He added, “I think the performance…we have to do so much better with the ball, without the ball. We didn’t have any energy in the beginning, especially in the first half.”
The Portuguese manager’s focus on long-term improvement rather than short-term success was evident in his statement: “I cannot focus just on saving the season or the momentum with a cup. It’s not the way I see football, it’s not the way I see Manchester United.”
This victory, while crucial for United’s cup aspirations, has once again highlighted the team’s inconsistency and the challenges Amorim faces in implementing his vision. The slow starts that have plagued United this season remain a concern, with the team often relying on second-half resurgences to salvage results.
The impact of substitutes Garnacho and Zirkzee raises questions about the starting lineup, particularly the role of Rasmus Hojlund. Zirkzee’s immediate influence upon entering the fray suggests he may be pushing for a starting berth in future fixtures.
As United progress in the FA Cup, Amorim’s task of balancing cup success with long-term improvement remains a delicate one. The manager’s honest assessment and refusal to be content with merely progressing in the cup demonstrates his commitment to elevating United’s overall performance level.
With a week to prepare for their next fixture, Amorim and his coaching staff will undoubtedly be focusing on addressing the team’s slow starts and inconsistent performances. As the season progresses, United fans will be hoping to see more complete performances that reflect the quality within the squad and the vision of their manager.
