Manchester United’s progression to the FA Cup fifth round was anything but convincing, as they narrowly edged past a struggling Leicester City side in a performance that left much to be desired.
Despite securing a 2-1 victory, Ruben Amorim’s team looked far from dominant. Leicester, currently fighting for survival in the Premier League, took the lead on Friday night, putting United on the back foot. It took Joshua Zirkzee’s second-half equalizer and a stoppage-time header from Harry Maguire to secure the win—though Maguire’s goal would have been ruled offside had VAR been in play.
While the result ensures United’s place in the next round, it also highlights deeper issues within the squad. Amorim’s vision for the team is yet to take full shape, and if they are to salvage anything from this season, key changes need to be made—starting with dropping underperforming senior players.
One of the most pressing concerns is Rasmus Hojlund. The Danish forward arrived from Atalanta for a hefty £72 million fee but has struggled to justify his price tag. With only ten goals to his name from his time in Italy, he has yet to adapt to the intensity of English football. His performance against Leicester was another example of his struggles, as he failed to register a single shot during a disjointed first half.
If United want to build momentum and challenge for silverware, Amorim must make bold decisions. Dropping players who are failing to meet expectations might be the first step toward turning things around at Old Trafford.
