Key Factors in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Best Duo Selection as Leicester City’s ‘Addition’ Reinforces a Familiar Truth

Leicester City’s FA Cup exit was particularly cruel, given their defensive struggles this season.

Ironically, they were eliminated despite executing a defensive play almost perfectly.

A freeze-frame of Bruno Fernandes’ 93rd-minute free-kick showed City’s defensive line holding firm, perfectly aligned, and catching four Manchester United players offside. They stuck to their plan, with no one dropping back too soon.

However, had they retreated slightly and played Harry Maguire onside, they might have had a better chance of challenging for the header and forcing extra time.

Ruud van Nistelrooy believed that was the least his team deserved.

That is debatable. What is clear is that Leicester improved significantly compared to their dismal showing against Everton.

They needed to prove that performance was an anomaly rather than a trend.

Defensively, they were much stronger. In the first half, they pressed effectively, working as a unit to prevent United from consistently reaching dangerous areas.

When they had to defend in their box, their positioning was sound, and they showed greater determination to keep the ball out of the net.

The midfield also provided excellent cover, tracking back to secure the edge of the penalty area and reacting quickly to cutbacks.

In possession, Leicester were solid, though not particularly threatening.

They played better than United, and while Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s goal was somewhat scrappy, the buildup to the rebound was intelligent and efficient.

However, that level of performance only lasted for the first hour. After that, United took control. Had the game gone to extra time, there seemed to be only one likely winner.

Leicester failed to register a shot after the 52nd minute and struggled to complete passes into United’s half.

They had no response to Alejandro Garnacho, who was United’s standout player.

Post-match, Ruben Amorim admitted United deliberately targeted James Justin with Garnacho, and City failed to adapt.

Justin, possibly following tactical instructions, stayed too centrally, giving Garnacho far too much space to receive the ball.

Leicester could have made adjustments, such as deploying substitute Woyo Coulibaly on the right to use his fresher legs against the winger, while shifting Justin to left-back.

Another factor to consider is that United were poor for the first hour. While Leicester’s performance contributed to their struggles, much of United’s ineffectiveness seemed self-inflicted.

Overall, it was an improved display from Leicester but still not at the level of their performance against Tottenham.

Further progress—and perhaps a bit more luck with officiating—will be necessary moving forward.