Leicester City took on Manchester United in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday evening.
Given their recent form – eight defeats in nine Premier League games – supporters probably weren’t expecting too much from the game.
Manchester United would make club history versus Leicester City if they won, something Ruud van Nistelrooy will have been desperate to avoid.
Van Nistelrooy, in the opposition dugout of course, has already helped the Red Devils beat the Foxes twice this season, including a 5-2 hammering in the Carabao Cup.
Leicester were always going to be up against it given their awful form and really weren’t helped out when Jamie Vardy was left out of the matchday squad on Friday evening.
Wilfred Ndidi did return from injury, however, while there was a place on the bench for 15-year-old sensation, Jeremy Monga.
Leicester City fans in agreement about Wilfred Ndidi vs Manchester United
While much of the talk prior to the match was around Monga, it was the returning Ndidi who stole the show at Old Trafford, especially in the first 45.
Leicester defended well under pressure for large periods and took the lead in the 42nd minute with the midfielder playing a key role.
The Nigerian made a clever run into the box before getting on the end of a Bilal El Khannouss cross. His effort was saved by Andre Onana but Bobby De Cordova-Reid tapped in the rebound.
Leicester fans have since taken to social media for the huge impact he has had on his return to the side.
One fan wrote: “Wilfred Ndidi has been really important to Leicester this half. His presence in midfield is so reassuring and allows Soumare to do what he does better and drive with the ball.”
A second added: “Ndidi showing Ugarte some serious levels right now, playing like 84-rated Ndidi.”
Another stated: “We’ve missed Ndidi massively,” while a fourth echoed: “Whatever Ndidi is doing to that Manchester United midfield is so amazing.”
“We are a different team with Ndidi,” a fifth Leicester fan stated, with a sixth writing: “When Ndidi is back we cook.”
A seventh wrote: “Ndidi staying fit will be a huge factor on if we stay up,” while another summarised: “I don’t know if that’s a good half or Man United are just horrendous. We look so comfortable. Ndidi and Soumare controlling the speed of the game. Bilal is a magician at times.”
Leicester City Premier League survival given a boost
It’s been a testing few months for the Foxes but their survival hopes have been given a boost upon the return of Ndidi.
We predicted recently that Leicester fans will see the best of Van Nistelrooy once the midfielder and Mads Hermansen return to the squad after their injuries.
And while it was by no means a world-beating performance from the Foxes, their first-half showing was certainly a step in the right direction.