Leicester City were looking to progress into the fifth round of the FA Cup when they faced off with Manchester United on February 7th.
The Foxes beat Queens Park Rangers in the third of the competition, scoring a staggering six goals.
A drubbing was not expected at Old Trafford, however, at least not from Leicester City anyway.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side are battling for survival in the Premier League this season and had already lost to Manchester United on two occasions this term.
However, with the returns of Wilfred Ndidi and Mads Hermansen, Leicester looked a much more competent team.
And Ndidi was key to the away outfit taking the lead in the 42nd minute, making an excellent run and heading an effort goalward before Bobby De Cordova-Reid slotted in the rebound.
The match began to turn on its head early in the second half, however, with the addition of Alejandro Garnacho and the removal of Ndidi.
Caleb Okoli made a brilliant goal-line clearance but it proved to be pretty pointless as Joshua Zirkzee got Manchester United back on level terms just a few minutes later.
Why was there no VAR during Manchester United vs Leicester City
After equalising, Manchester United went on to completely dominate the game and eventually netted the winner in second-half injury time.
A free-kick was floated into the Leicester box and former Fox Harry Maguire headed past Hermansen to make it 2-1 and send Leicester crashing out of the competition.
As many a fan pointed out on social media, Maguire was clearly offside when the free-kick was taken but there was no VAR to rule it out.
The reason for this was explained by the FA in late 2024 who wrote via their official website: “It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.
“VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.
“This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”
Leicester City losing streak continues
It was a heartbreaking end to the game for the Midlands outfit who, despite losing, played pretty well.
Ndidi’s form and the return of Hermansnen should give them a boost going forward but fans are no doubt left furious over the refereeing on the night.
Their attention will now turn back to the Premier League, when they are next in action against Arsenal on February 15th.