Julius OkorieReturnee Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, was in action for 58 minutes in the Foxes winner takes all FA Cup clash with Manchester United at the Old Trafford on Friday night.
The Nigeria international was returning to action after being sidelined by injury for weeks. His return was considered a huge boost for Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy and his boys as they attempted to advance in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelTheir effort however ended in defeat after last minute goal by Harry Maguire handed 2-1 victory to the Reds.
The Foxes had taken early lead with a goal from De Cordova-Reid in the first half. However, United equalized through Joshua Zirkzee in the second half, and Harry Maguire scored a late winner with a header in the 93rd minute.
Van Nistelrooy blamed the defeat on poor officiating. He had pointed out that Maguire appeared to be in an offside position when Bruno Fernandes delivered the free kick. Unfortunately, as there was no VAR available at this stage of the competition, the goal was allowed to stand.
READ ALSO:FA Cup: Ndidi Bounces Back, To Battle Man United At Old Trafford
Reflecting on the match with ITV, the former Manchester United player stated, “We were not defeated in Fergie time, but rather in offside time. This decision was unnecessary; with VAR, even a few centimeters can be decisive, and this was an offside of half a meter. It’s tough to accept, as the team performed well enough to earn a draw, which could have led to extra time and potential penalties.”
He praised his team’s performance, noting, “We started strongly and pressed United effectively. We were stable on the ball and deserved our 1-0 lead at halftime. Despite the second half involving increased pressure from United, we managed to handle it well. We deserved to move into extra time and continue the battle. “Decisions like these at our level can be challenging to accept.”
An elated Manchester United Manager Ruben Amorin however emphasized that the last-minute victory against Leicester City was not simply a case of ‘Fergie time’. The Red Devils struggled in the first half, failing to record a shot on target for the second time this season.
After falling behind due to De Cordova-Reid’s goal just before half-time, the team rallied with Zirkzee’s equalizer and Maguire’s late header, securing the win just before the final whistle.
Amorim remarked, “We had to maintain belief until the end, but this match was not defined by Fergie’s time. Our performance needed improvement both with and without the ball.”
He took responsibility for the team’s performance, stating, “As a coach, I must ensure that we strive to do better. When a team does not perform up to expectations, it falls on me. Our focus now is to analyze and learn from this game to enhance our performance in the matches ahead.”
‘Fergie time’ is the term used by some football fans to describe late goals scored by Manchester United when Sir Alex Ferguson was manager.
Despite Leicester City exit, Van Nistelrooy gave Ndidi huge thumbs up. “You’ve seen the game, the way he played, the way he lifted the team, on the ball, off the ball. His performance was excellent, but also his leadership.
Not only the captain’s armband he wore, the way he led the team, the way he demanded from his surroundings, coaching, talking, and preventing situations from occurring. I thought Bouba and Wilf had a great partnership today on the ball but also off the ball to control the game.”
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
