Hackett: Maguire’s FA Cup Winner Should Have Been Disallowed
Harry Maguire’s decisive goal for Manchester United in their FA Cup fourth-round clash should not have stood, according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett insisted that Maguire’s late header should have been ruled out for offside against Leicester City.
The United defender scored deep into stoppage time, sparking frustration from Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, as he appeared to be in an offside position when Bruno Fernandes delivered his free-kick.
Hackett now believes that Leicester have every reason to feel aggrieved over what proved to be the match-winning goal.
Late Drama as Man United Edge Past Leicester
Ahead of Friday’s match at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim’s squad showed solidarity with Lisandro Martinez by wearing jackets in support of the defender following his ACL injury.
Leicester struck first, taking a 1-0 lead into the break after Bobby DeCordova-Reid nodded home from close range.
However, the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho—who remained at United despite January transfer speculation—helped shift momentum back in favor of the hosts. Joshua Zirkzee then found the equalizer midway through the second half.
With the game seemingly heading for extra time, Maguire rose to head in Fernandes’ free-kick in the dying moments, sealing the victory for United.
However, replays indicated that multiple players, including Maguire, were in clear offside positions when the ball was played. The assistant referee failed to spot it, and with VAR not in use at this stage of the FA Cup, the goal stood.
Hackett Questions Officiating Over Maguire Offside
Discussing the controversial decision with Football Insider, Hackett expressed disbelief at the oversight:
*”Leicester fans have every right to be furious after Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time goal, which came from a blatantly offside position.
“This goal should have been disallowed. The assistant referee should have seen it—it wasn’t a tight call, it was clearly offside.
“And where was VAR? Of course, it’s not in use at this stage of the FA Cup.”
What’s Next for United and Leicester?
Manchester United now turn their attention to their upcoming clash against Tottenham on Sunday, February 16, as they continue their push to salvage their season.
Meanwhile, Leicester will shift focus to their relegation battle, with a crucial fixture against Arsenal at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, February 15.
