United View: United progress in the FA Cup after a lacklustre display

Manchester United are now 20 games into the Ruben Amorim era, marking the occasion with a 2-1 victory against Leicester thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Harry Maguire.

Amorim had hinted there would be tough times to come, but thankfully, his side got the job done despite a poor performance for much of the game.

As first halves go, the one against Leicester was dire. United failed to have a single shot on target in the opening 45, the seventh time this has happened during Amorim’s spell. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side took the lead through Bobby De Cordova-Reid just before the break.

One of the main talking points was the debut of new signing Patrick Dorgu, who was signed to strengthen United’s left side, surprisingly starting on the right. Amorim later explained he could play there, perhaps opting to coach him closely during the first half after just three training sessions. However, United’s long-standing left-back issues make the decision questionable – especially as Dalot was preferred over Dorgu on the left.

Whatever the reason, United have needed a left-back option for many years now, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia both experiencing their fair share of injury troubles. Therefore, the decision to opt for Diogo Dalot on the left instead of Dorgu could be seen as the head coach overcomplicating things. It is yet to be seen whether this will continue in United’s upcoming fixtures.

Dorgu was subsequently withdrawn at half-time for Alejandro Garnacho, who provided a much-needed spark down the left. The Argentinian played a key role in Joshua Zirkzee’s equaliser in the 57th minute, driving at the Leicester defence and cutting the ball back from the byline, which eventually ended up falling to Zirkee’s feet for a simple tap in.

It’s important to remember Garnacho’s age and that he’s still a developing talent who sometimes makes the wrong decision in the final third. For example, opting to try and beat Mads Hermansen at his near post instead of squaring the ball to Rasmus Hojlund who was in a better position. 

It didn’t matter in the end as Harry Maguire stepped up to head home the winner in stoppage time, with a huge helping hand coming from the absence of VAR, as the former Leicester man was undoubtedly offside.

United will now face Fulham at home in the next round. The Reds have struggled for form at home in 2025, however, they have won all their cup fixtures at Old Trafford since the turn of the year. As said before, a good cup run would help to keep United’s spirits alive in the season.

Amorim said after the game, “It was a good result, not a good performance.” The manager is aware his team are far from where they want to be, trying to adapt to his new way of playing whilst lacking the personnel to achieve it.

Fans, understandably, are less than impressed with some of the football they are seeing, especially with the potential of ticket prices increasing next season, especially with unentertaining football on the pitch. But for now, it’s just a case of persevering until the summer, when Amorim will hopefully be backed sufficiently.

United need to be smart with its recruitment and give the manager what he needs whilst also walking the tightrope of financial restrictions. It’s clear from recent signings that they’re targeting younger players with good physical attributes, but some marquee signings would undoubtedly help this side, which has often struggled for confidence.

United’s next take on Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, another team with a myriad of troubles. The Reds should be looking to capitalise on this and build some momentum in the league.