Manchester, February 8 After Leicester’s contentious 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup last 16 on Friday, coach Ruud van Nistelrooy was left feeling furious. Harry Maguire of United scored a thrilling goal in injury time, despite strong indications that he was offside.

The goal stood in the FA Cup without VAR, advancing United to the next round and giving them their third victory against Leicester at home this year.

Van Nistelrooy told reporters, “This (loss) wasn’t necessary.” This was offside by half a meter. Stay in the game and give it more time; you never know what can happen. We were worthy of extra time and perhaps penalties. At our level, decisions like this are difficult to accept.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid gave Leicester the lead four minutes before to halftime. Bilai El Khannouss sent in a low cross after Manuel Ugarte was dispossessed close to the touchline. Wilfred Ndidi shot it goal-bound, and it deflected in off De Cordova-Reid. Leicester had a well-earned 1-0 lead going into halftime.

Under new manager Ruben Amorim, United labored in the first half, playing slowly and unable to generate any clear opportunities. But the second half saw a change in pace with the arrival of replacements Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee. In the 68th minute, Zirkzee equalized thanks to Garnacho’s spirited movement down the left, as the Dutch striker completed a simple opportunity.

Bruno Fernandes sent a long ball into the box just as extra time seemed certain, and Maguire headed home the game-winning goal in the closing seconds. Leicester players and staff protested the decision to not call offside, but the goal was upheld without VAR.

Maguire praised Garnacho’s contribution and justified United’s progress in the second half. “The game had a fantastic finish,” Maguire said.

“We performed much better in the second half. We played slowly and didn’t really get going in the first half, which was far from good enough.

“He (Garnacho) had a significant influence. He always does it after coming off the bench, so good for him; he’s focused and prepared.