Manchester United produced another limp display at Old Trafford on Friday against Leicester City and had Harry Maguire and the linesman to thank for making it through to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The England international rose highest to deliver the killing blow in added time. He was off-side but with there being no VAR, Ruben Amorim’s team marched on.
The first-half was one to forget with the players content to pass it backwards and sideways with hardly anyone showing the bravery to drive forward with the ball.
The head coach’s decision to play Diogo Dalot as the left wingback and Kobbie Mainoo as the left-sided attacking midfielder meant there was nobody to attack the space out wide which meant it was easy for the Foxes to defend.
Garnacho’s introduction changed the game
The visitors took the lead at the stroke of half-time as boos rang out at the Theatre of Dreams with the coach’s decisions further complicating the team’s style.
Thankfully, the Portuguese tactician tweaked things at the start of the second half and the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho completely changed the game.
The Argentine was a livewire right from the word go and was brave and direct and kept taking on his man every chance he got, something which was desperately lacking in the opening 45 minutes.
And while his finishing still needs a lot of improvement, as seen from his two big chances missed, his directness ensured doubts crept into the Foxes backline.
And it was his pinpoint cutback that fellow substitute Joshua Zirkzee scored from to restore parity. The 20-year-old had four shots, two of which were on target with one shot somehow cleared off the line via the crossbar.
Another great cameo off the bench
Two attempts went off target. He also completed one dribble and successfully found a teammate with his sole long pass attempt. Neither of his two crosses managed to find a red shirt even though they should have.
He was tenacious as usual, winning four of out six ground duels while also making two tackles and winning one free-kick from a foul he won (all stats via sofascore).
Once again, despite being on the bench, the United No 17 did not sulk and came on to make the difference. United are a much better team when Garnacho starts on the left.
Despite being linked with a January exit and there still being talks of a summer clearout, the Argentina international is making it clear that the club cannot afford to let him go.
Feature image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
