Harry Maguire’s last-minute header fired holders Manchester United into the Emirates FA Cup fifth round with a 2-1 win over Leicester City.
As Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy returned to take on his old side, his Foxes went ahead through Bobby De Cordova-Reid just before half time.
Joshua Zirkzee drew United level as they finally grew into the game before Maguire headed home the winner to keep their defence alive.
Patson Daka led the line for Leicester and caused problems early on as he held off two United defenders before finding Jordan Ayew whose shot was well-saved by André Onana.
Daka then forced a good challenge from Maguire before Manchester United enjoyed some of the possession.
At first, they were almost gifted an opportunity as Wout Faes’ backpass required evasive effort from Mads Hermansen to stop the ball going for a corner.
MAGUUUUIIRRRREEEEE!!!
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 7, 2025
Harry Maguire wins it at the death for @ManUtd to send them through to fifth round 🤯#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/kQscbRHnjw
Then, Patrick Dorgu, playing in front of the Old Trafford faithful for the first time since signing for Manchester United, looked to create chances.
His first attempt only resulted in a corner before he fired well wide from 20 yards out.
Leicester then returned to the ascendancy where they stayed for the rest of the half as De Cordova-Reid forced a corner.
Caleb Okoli almost headed in the resulting set piece but could not quite reach the ball before Luke Thomas earned another corner with a dangerous ball into the box.
The Foxes' pressure finally told in the 42nd minute as the ball was worked from out wide to Wilfred Ndidi in the middle of the box.
His fearsome shot was saved by Onana’s reflexes but the goalkeeper could do nothing to deny De Cordova-Reid who headed home from point-blank range.
Half time could not come soon enough for the home side and they emerged from the break with renewed vigour and determination as Alejandro Garnacho replaced Dorgu.
HOW HAS THIS NOT GOT IN!?
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 7, 2025
Caleb Okoli with an incredible clearance for @LCFC 🤯#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/IIWZDptApH
United thought they had levelled through Garnacho as his shot deflected off Faes and past Hermansen.
But there was Okoli who slid in and kept the ball out via the crossbar to preserve Leicester’s lead.
However, United were not denied for too long as this time Okoli’s block of a Rasmus Hojlund’s shot found Zirkzee who put the ball in the back of the net three minutes after being introduced.
Garnacho continued to threaten for the home side even as the seconds ticked away and thoughts turned to extra time.
And just as Leicester may have thought they were safe, up stepped Harry Maguire to head home a Bruno Fernandes free-kick in the third minute of extra time to send United through.
