Manchester United’s Dramatic FA Cup Victory: Amorim’s Take on the Last-Minute Win
Feb 7, 2025, 06:18 PM ET
In a thrilling FA Cup fourth-round match, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim expressed his thoughts on his team’s dramatic last-minute victory over Leicester City. The match ended with a nail-biting finish, but Amorim was quick to clarify that the win had “nothing to do with Fergie time.”
For those who remember the glory days of Sir Alex Ferguson, Friday night’s result might have felt like a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Late winners were a hallmark of Ferguson’s era, as synonymous with Manchester United as the numerous titles they clinched. However, Amorim was not entirely pleased with the performance, especially the sluggish start his team displayed.
Speaking to ITV after the match, Amorim said, “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.”
He continued, “We didn’t have any energy in the beginning, especially in the first-half. Then in the second half we played a little bit better, with a little more speed, winning second balls. Then we managed to turn things around so it was a good result not a good performance.”
Amorim took responsibility for the team’s lackluster performance, stating, “The coach is the first responsible, when one team doesn’t perform, doesn’t improve, it is the coach but we are here to do things and to see the game, to study the game and try to improve for the next game.”
According to ESPN Global Research, United failed to manage a shot on target in the first half at Old Trafford, marking the third time this season they have done so. The first half saw United fall behind when Wilfred Ndidi‘s shot was blocked by goalkeeper André Onana, only for Bobby De Cordova-Reid to head in the rebound from close range.
The second half saw a change in momentum as Joshua Zirkzee leveled the scores, and the game seemed destined for extra time. However, in the 93rd minute, Maguire headed in the winner from a Bruno Fernandes free kick, just seconds before the final whistle.
Amorim reflected on the match, saying, “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.”
He added, “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.”
On the other side, Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy voiced his frustrations, particularly about Maguire’s position during the decisive free-kick. “This (loss) wasn’t necessary,” Van Nistelrooy told ITV. “This was half a meter [offside]. Then extra time, stay in the game, you never know what happens.”
He continued, “We deserved to go into extra time and maybe penalties. Decisions like these in our level are hard to swallow.”
It’s worth noting that VAR will be used in the FA Cup for the first time this season in the fifth round, as reported here.
- Manchester United’s performance was criticized by their manager despite the win.
- Leicester City felt hard done by a controversial decision.
- VAR will be introduced in the next round of the FA Cup.
Originally Written by: ESPN
