“We knew…” Harry Maguire comments reveal Manchester United tactic Rúben Amorim could take advantage of

Harry Maguire’s comments following Manchester United’s FA Cup win over Leicester City reveal a tactic Rúben Amorim could take advantage of.

Manchester United have advanced to the FA Cup fifth round after Harry Maguire’s dramatic stoppage-time header secured a 2-1 victory over Leicester City at Old Trafford on Friday night.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester side arrived with a clear defensive strategy, absorbing United’s early pressure and frustrating Rúben Amorim’s team. Despite United gradually asserting themselves, it was the visitors who struck first, as Bobby De Cordova-Reid capitalised on a rare opening to score just before half-time. United, meanwhile, failed to register a shot on target in the first half.

In response, Amorim made attacking changes at the break, bringing on Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee. Garnacho’s introduction immediately lifted the atmosphere, with his effort cleared off the line, igniting the Old Trafford crowd.

United’s momentum continued to build, and they eventually found their equaliser when a deflected Rasmus Højlund shot fell perfectly for Zirkzee, who finished calmly.

With the game deep into stoppage time, United’s relentless pressure finally paid off. Bruno Fernandes delivered a pinpoint free kick into the area, and Maguire rose highest to send a towering header past the goalkeeper, sealing a dramatic late victory and United’s place in the next round.

Maguire praises United duo after Leicester win

Although Maguire was the ultimate talisman during the fixture with his match-winning header, the goalscorer himself took the time to praise two of United’s other players for their impact off the bench.

Garnacho was fantastic in the second half, pinning Leicester City back with his driving runs, while Zirkzee has also been pointed out as a player who had a big impact, scoring the equalising goal.

“I think he made a big impact,” Maguire said of Garnacho after the game. “He always does that when he comes off the bench, so credit to him, he’s ready, he’s focused.

“We knew at half-time he’d probably bring a little bit more directness and pace into the team. And also, Josh [Zirkzee] came on and I think he had a big impact in the game.”

Amorim could use this tactic more often

Despite United shipping off both Marcus Rashford and Antony on loan for the remainder of the season, having new signing Patrick Dorgu in the side feels like a fresh addition to United’s wide threats as the aforementioned duo were surplus to Amorim’s plans at Old Trafford.

Read More: Manchester United coach sings praises of “great” Academy star, he experienced “really hard” moment

Although the Danish international came off at half-time, he still looked bright, and he could be added to a roster Amorim can use as a fresh tactic for the remainder of the season.

The head coach now has a whole host of fast, direct, and hungry players who look to drive forward whenever they can, with Garnacho, Zirkzee, Dorgu, and Amad all eager to play – and Amorim should take advantage of this.

Garnacho has always been an incredibly effective player off the bench, something Erik ten Hag knew well, and as Maguire mentioned, having players such as Zirkzee and Garnacho available for the second half helped change the game for United.

Amorim may well use this group of hungry young players as specific impact options for the second half when United are failing to dominate games, as it’s a tactic that, in the short term, could help drive wins in the cup competitions for the rest of this season.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Wednesday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.