Leicester City 3-1 Manchester United: Iheanacho double seals FA Cup semi-final spot

Leicester City reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1982 after a 3-1 win over Manchester United in Sunday’s quarter-final clash.

Two goals from Kelechi Iheanacho and one from Youri Tielemans were enough to give the Foxes only a second victory over the Red Devils in 26 meetings in all competitions.

United, who levelled in the first half through Mason Greenwood before Tielemans’ fine winner, looked well short of their best for much of a contest for which they made five changes from their Europa League win in Milan three days earlier.

Iheanacho headed in a third 13 minutes from time to make certain of victory as United lost an away match in domestic competition for the first time since January 19 last year.

1981-82 – In what was Brendan Rodgers’ 100th game in charge at the club, Leicester City have reached the semi-finals of the @EmiratesFACup for the first time since 1981-82 – they had lost five consecutive FA Cup quarter-final matches before today. Hunters. pic.twitter.com/T9mAMup5IG

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 21, 2021

Fred had twice lost possession in United’s half before his dreadful backpass to goalkeeper Dean Henderson gifted Iheanacho an easy finish.

Despite their changes from the side that won in Milan, United played like a team struggling with fatigue in the first half, as Leicester pressed them into errors without managing to take full advantage.

It was therefore something of a surprise when the visitors levelled seven minutes before the break. Pogba’s low cross from the left was dummied superbly by Donny van de Beek, giving Greenwood the chance to smash home his first goal in 16 appearances.

Leicester regained their lead in prompt fashion in the second half, though, Tielemans drilling a fine shot beyond the reach of Henderson after drifting easily away from Nemanja Matic and Fred.

Jamie Vardy should have made it 3-1, skipping beyond Harry Maguire only to drag a shot wide of the left-hand post with only Henderson to beat, prompting Solskjaer to make four changes to breathe life into United’s display.

It was one of those substitutes, Scott McTominay, who conceded a cheap free-kick near the box and then allowed Iheanacho to drift behind him to nod home Marcus Albrighton’s delivery.

What does it mean? Leicester will have final in their sights

Leicester were drawn against Southampton in the semi-finals during half-time of this game, avoiding Manchester City and Chelsea, and this performance will give them real confidence of going all the way to the final.

United are left to rue another trophy opportunity passing them by, Solskjaer’s changes to the line-up and a general lack of precision in their play bringing their 14-game unbeaten run to an end.

The Europa League now represents their best chance of winning a first piece of silverware under Solskjaer – a competition Leicester exited at the last-32 stage.

1 – Manchester United have lost an away match against English opposition for the first time in 30 matches, with the previous such defeat coming against Liverpool in January 2020. Closed. pic.twitter.com/OAGxOKEuke

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 21, 2021

Iheanacho on fire

As a former Manchester City youngster, Iheanacho will have enjoyed his part in dumping United out of the competition.

His two goals capped a superb display and mean he has now had a direct hand in 15 goals in his 15 starts in all competitions this season, eight of which have come in his most recent four appearances.

Fred faced

Fred was one of those to play the full match in Milan and he was mentally and physically off the pace against a hard-working Leicester.

Having passed to Iheanacho for the opener, he failed to get close enough to stop Tielemans scoring as the Foxes dictated the midfield battle.

What’s next?

United are back in action at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on April 4. A day earlier, Leicester host Premier League leaders Manchester City.