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      Man Utd slammed as ‘flat and poor’ by Alan Shearer in damning assessment after dismal FA Cup loss at Leicester

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were labelled ‘flat’ and ‘poor’ by England legend Alan Shearer after their dismal 3-1 defeat to Leicester on Sunday.The Red Devils were hoping to make it a perfect week in the cups after knocking AC Milan out of the Europa League on Thursday night.
      Manchester United crashed out of the FA CupCredit: Getty
      Alan Shearer was brutally honest on Man UtdCredit: Getty
      But they proceeded to shoot themselves in the foot at the King Power Stadium, gifting the Foxes goals as they crashed out of the FA Cup.
      And, covering the game for the BBC, Shearer didn’t hold back with his assessment.
      The 50-year-old said: “They looked very, very tired.
      “They couldn’t cope with the pace that Leicester showed this evening, even with the changes that came on didn’t make them any better.
      “It was a really flat, poor performance from them.”
      Leicester were handed the lead on a plate in the 24th minute, when Fred’s horror back-pass fell woefully short of Dean Henderson, with in-form forward Kelechi Iheanacho providing the finish.
      Mason Greenwood fired United level, before a Youri Tielemans effort and another by Iheanacho sent the Foxes through.
      Shearer felt that United’s costly errors fell right into Leicester’s trap.

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      Of Fred’s mistake, he added: “This was playing right into Leicester’s hands, it’s what they wanted them to do. They’re setting the trap and they fell into it.
      “That is a high risk pass, particularly when you’re going to take a touch as he did, Fred. And they punished him.
      “They closed him down, they were happy for United to play that ball and bang, they were straight onto him.
      “It’s a poor mistake from Fred but Iheanacho puts it away really well.”

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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he’s very disappointed after Man Utd loss against Leicester in FA Cup More

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      Gary Neville slams Man Utd for ‘massive missed opportunity’ of winning FA Cup and landing trophy after Leicester loss

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville is ‘demoralised’ after the club’s FA Cup exit and has hit out at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for rotating the team.The Red Devils crashed out at the quarter-final stage after they were beaten 3-1 by Leicester at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.
      Manchester United were deservedly beaten by LeicesterCredit: Getty
      Gary Neville has spoke of his disappointment at Manchester United crashing out of the FA CupCredit: PA
      Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring as he latched onto a poor pass from Fred, before Mason Greenwood fired the visitors back on level terms before the break.
      Youri Tielemans then put the Foxes back in front with a low strike into the bottom left corner, with Iheanacho grabbing his second of the game with a header in the 78th minute.
      Boss Solskjaer made five changes from the side that beat AC Milan 1-0 at the San Siro on Thursday, and Neville cannot understand why rotate for such an important game.
      Speaking on his podcast with Sky Sports, he said: “It had been a good week. Not surprising that they go to Milan and did what they did, they are good away from home, then beating West Ham last week.
      “I’m surprised the team was weakened against Leicester, I’m surprised he (Solskjaer) rotated as much, I know he has been doing that, but this was a real chance.
      “If you think the semi-final draw that occurred at half-time of that game which meant the winner of the Leicester vs Manchester United tie would play Southampton.
      “It is not a gimme against Southampton by any stretch of the imagination, but what an opportunity and I genuinely believe that that group of players need to win a trophy under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.”
      Before adding: “Yes, of course finishing second would be the priority at the start of the season, but winning a trophy with that would be a real priority and now they only have the Europa League left.
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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side lost 3-1 to Leicester at the King Power Stadium on SundayCredit: Getty

      “Leicester have a decent record, but I was in the car listening to it on the radio and they go behind and you think ‘here we go’ and you are not surprised with United.
      “But they got back in the game and then you see the second and third ones and you think that could be a massive missed opportunity.
      “I am demoralised a little bit as a Manchester United fan as I thought that was a really good one to go for this season.”
      Solskjaer claimed after the Leicester defeat that their busy schedule and their trip to Italy played a key part in their FA Cup exit.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he’s very disappointed after Man Utd loss against Leicester in FA Cup More

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      Fred is latest Man Utd star to suffer vile racial abuse after FA Cup defeat to Leicester

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      FRED was racially abused after Manchester United’s 3-1 FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Leicester.The midfielder became the latest United player targeted by sick online trolls this year after his error gifted Kelechi Iheanacho the opening goal.
      Some social media criticism of Fred went far beyond slating his error or performance at the King Power StadiumCredit: AFP
      Victor Lindelof and Fred show their frustration after the Brazilian’s poor backpass handed Kelechi Iheanacho the first of his two Leicester goalsCredit: Getty
      Some Instagram posts were of a racist nature, like those aimed at team-mate Marcus Rashford on Twitter in January, and Anthony Martial and Axel Tuanzebe last month.
      Fred was blasted for a poor backpass that enabled Iheanacho to round Dean Henderson and slot home early on.
      But some comments went far beyond acceptable criticism as football showed again it still has a huge problem with racism.
      The FA’s equality and diversity director, Edleen John, wants more help from the police and Crown Prosecution Service against online abuse.
      And United have also hit out at racist treatment faced by their players.
      A recent club statement read: “Manchester United has zero tolerance of any form of racism or discrimination and a longstanding commitment to campaigning against it through our All Red All Equal initiative.”
      On the pitch, at the King Power Stadium, Fred and Co fell well short of their recent high standards.
      Two-goal Foxes’ striker Iheanacho and impressive midfielder Youri Tielmans outgunned Mason Greenwood’s temporary equaliser.
      But United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told BBC Sport: “When we win, we win together and when we lose, we lose together.

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      “We’re not pointing fingers and blaming.”
      “We didn’t have the spark – but it’s understandable.
      “This team have been fantastic in the last three or four months. We played every three days and been on a great run. It just caught up with us.” 
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he’s very disappointed after Man Utd loss against Leicester in FA Cup More

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      Leicester 3-1 Man Utd LIVE RESULT: Iheanacho brace and Tielemans stunner set up Foxes FA Cup semi-final with Southampton

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      MAN UTD will have to wait for a first trophy under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after being outclassed at Leicester.Former Man City ace Kelechi Iheanacho pounced on a short pass from Fred back to Dean Henderson to score a first half tap in before Mason Greenwood thumped home an equaliser.
      But Youri Tielemans restored the Foxes’ advantage on 51 minutes with a brilliant strike into the bottom corner before Iheanacho popped up again with a close range header.
      Following the FA Cup draw at half time, the winner of this game will line up against Southampton in the semi-final at Wembley.
      THAT’S ALL FROM THE EAST MIDLANDS
      So Manchester United have suffered their first away defeat to an English side in 14 months, but if you feel that’s a long time, how about this? Leicester City are in the FA Cup semi-final for the first time since 1982.
      Brendan Rodgers’ team are well worth their place in the last four too. A superb display from the energetic Foxes was too much for the tired legs of United, and was epitomised by their goalscoring hero Kelechi Iheanacho.
      The Nigerian striker followed up last week’s hat-trick with two well-taken goals and an assist for Youri Tieleman’s brilliant strike. The only response from the Red Devils was a Mason Greenwood equaliser on an evening when they were second best throughout.
      Leicester will now face Southampton at Wembley next month while Chelsea take on Manchester City in the competition’s other semi.
      There’s more football going on this evening so head over to our live coverage of Aston Villa versus Tottenham in the Premier League.
      Goodbye.
      RARE TRAVEL SICKNESS FOR RED DEVILS
      The wheels have finally come off for Manchester United on the road as they fell to their first domestic away defeat in 14 months.
      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

      READ ALL ABOUT IT
      Dave Kidd has filed his match report from the King Power Stadium so why not relive the drama of Leicester’s 3-1 FA Cup quarter-final success.
      The result for United was a comprehensive defeat by an outstanding Leicester side, who booked their first FA Cup semi-final for 39 years thanks toa double from their in-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho.
      MADD FOR IT
      James Maddison may be out injured at the moment, but that didn’t stop the midfielder from roaring his teammates on from the sidelines this afternoon.
      The 24-year-old has taken to social media to pay tribute to Kelechi Iheanacho, and is now targeting a return to fitness for the FA Cup semi-final in mid-April.

      RODGERS RELISHING WEMBLEY TRIP
      In his 100th game in charge of the Foxes, Brendan Rodgers has led Leicester to Wembley and their first FA Cup semi-final in almost 40 years.
      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

      FULL TIME STATS
      Never mind the numbers. The Foxes are through to the FA Cup semi-final after a superb home display that saw them dispatch Manchester United.

      SUPER KELECHI IHEANACHO
      A delighted Kelechi Iheanacho has expressed his joy in reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup, and let viewers into the secret of Leicester’s success: hard work in training and faith in the big man upstairs.
      I feel great, and the whole team are happy. Hopefully, we can focus on the next game, get it done, and get to the final. Hopefully, God will help us. We worked really well in training to get ready for this game. Kelechi IheanachoBBC
      Kelechi Iheanacho’s game by numbers vs. Man Utd: 100% conversion rate 54 touches 6 duels won 3 chances created 3 fouls won 2 tackles2 interceptions 2 shots on target 2 goals 1 assist Another brilliant performance. pic.twitter.com/qzd11v9fbB— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 21, 2021

      LINEKER LOVING LEICESTER LIFE
      I’ve found a BBC programme that’s more biased towards the blues than Question Time.

      FT: LEICESTER 3-1 MAN UTD
      Leicester City are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup for the first time since 1982, and it is more than deserved. Kelechi Iheanacho continued his fine goalscoring form with a brace, scored either side of an excellent Youri Tielemans strike. Mason Greenwood had earlier equalised for Manchester United, but the Red Devils were never close to repeating their San Siro heroics in the East Midlands.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!IT’S ALL OVER AT THE KING POWER!
      LEICESTER 3-1 MAN UTD
      90+4. Leicester are playing keep ball, and few teams in the country would fancy themselves against the Foxes in this form.
      Manchester United know they are beaten now.
      LEICESTER 3-1 MAN UTD
      90+2. A Martial header at the back stick has Schmeichel throwing himself to the floor, but it’s more for show and a few more seconds on the clock.
      LEICESTER 3-1 MAN UTD
      90. The board goes up four minutes of stoppage time.
      I doubt even the Manchester United of old could rescue this one.
      LEICESTER 3-1 MAN UTD
      89. A loose touch in midfield from Ndidi is possibly his first this afternoon, but the midfielder quickly responds to win back possession under the nose of Greenwood.
      The Leicester midfielder – in fact, the Leicester midfield – has been immense today.
      LEICESTER 3-1 MAN UTD
      87. Choudhury is penalised for wrestling with Maguire, and Manchester United have a free-kick at least 30 yards from goal.
      Fernandes stands over it, and then unleashes a wonderful dipping effort that flies over the wall and is heading towards the top corner before Schmeichel tips over.
      LEICESTER 3-1 MAN UTD
      85. It seems Southampton’s management can start preparing for Leicester City in the semi-final. I suppose it was a tough choice for the Saints: the team they lost 9-0 to this season or the team they lost 9-0 to last season.
      Meanwhile, Fred’s nightmare afternoon is over, and on is the 18-year-old Amad Diallo.
      LEICESTER 3-1 MAN UTD
      83. Jamie Vardy’s race is run. Leicester’s second substitution sees the introduction of Hamza Choudhury.
      LEICESTER 3-1 MAN UTD
      81. Cavani gives the ball away and Shaw misjudges his tackle. I’m not sure Ole’s subs have had the desired effect.
      LEICESTER 3-1 MAN UTD
      78. Two goals for Kelechi Iheanacho, three for Leicester City, and the Foxes are surely on their way to Wembley!
      It’s a super set-piece from Albrighton on the left, but awful defending from the United players.
      Scott McTominay is perhaps most culpable, misjudging the flight of the ball at the far post, and allowing it to drop nicely for the Leicester striker to head home.
      Dean Henderson does his best in getting a hand to it, but can only touch it on to the underside of the crossbar and in.

      GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!KELECHI IHEANACHO AT THE DOUBLE!!
      LEICESTER 2-1 MAN UTD
      77. Praet wins a free-kick in a promising position after turning McTominay one way and then the other.
      LEICESTER 2-1 MAN UTD
      75. It’s Evans in the book now. The former Manchester United man is unfortunate in as much that he slips, but he definitely brings down Fernandes.
      LEICESTER 2-1 MAN UTD
      73. Brendan Rodgers does the sensible thing by removing Ayoze Perez before he can get any other players booked by fouling them.
      It allows for the return of Dennis Praet after ten weeks out inured.
      LEICESTER 2-1 MAN UTD
      72. McTominay goes into the book for the unforgivable act of being kicked in the calf by Perez.
      The Spaniard had been booked himself moments earlier.
      LEICESTER 2-1 MAN UTD
      71. Greenwood gets down the right, looks up and spots Cavani making a trademark run to the near post.
      However, just as Greenwood’s set to deliver, Soyuncu slides in with a wonderful old school challenge that takes the ball and leaves the youngster on the turf.
      That was pure FA Cup football!
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      Man Utd verdict: Red Devils desperately need another iconic goalscore as Martial, Greenwood and Co fall way short

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      ROONEY, Charlton, Law, Rowley, Violet, Best – the names roll off the tongue for Manchester United fans.Yet when was the last time they had a goalscorer to acclaim?
      Anthony Martial failed to ignite Manchester United’s attack on SundayCredit: Getty
      Where is the Yorke and Cole or the Ruud van Nistelrooy, probably the most underrated player in the club’s history?
      Robin van Persie did it for a season and so did Zlatan, as he will no doubt tell you.
      All these names are legends.
      A club the size of Manchester United demands legends.
      Yet since Rooney left who have they had to look to for goals on regular basis?
      Anthony Martial? Did you watch him against Leicester? No movement, no nothing.
      Marcus Rashford is a very good footballer, unavailable in this cup tie due to injury, but he is not the out-and-out goalscorer they need.
      Edison Cavani is clearly struggling to get his veteran frame through another season.
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      Then there is Mason Greenwood.
      Now there is no doubt the teenager has talent.
      His ability with both feet can bamboozle defenders when he charges into the box.
      But his goal at the King Power was only his second since December 5.
      Manchester United cannot afford potential.
      The class of ’92 were brought into the first-team because Sir Alex Ferguson thought they were ready. Ready to win cups and titles.
      So the ‘he will get better’ excuse is not enough if Greenwood is pulling on the Red jersey.
      Martial has no excuses, 17-8-11-12-23 and now 7 is how his season’s goalscoring tallies have run in his time at Old Trafford.
      Mason Greenwood scored to make it 1-1 in the FA Cup defeatCredit: Getty
      Manchester United must find a consistent goal-getter akin to Ruud van NistelrooyCredit: PA:Press Association

      Rooney, the clubs greatest-ever scorer, was an incredible exception, one of the greatest players of all time, so it is tough to use him as a comparison.
      But take Van Nistelrooy, who was with the club during a relatively lean time in Fergie’s years, and his goalscoring figures are 36-44-30-16-24. It’s astonishing to think he only won one title in his time at United.
      Now, the club have just signed another eye-watering shirt sponsorship deal worth £235million.
      They simply need to splash a lot of that cash on Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund.
      Because this is not a bad United side, they just do not have the finisher to complete their build-up play… this match was another example.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Neil Custis says Martial is more to blame for Man Utd’s PSG loss than Fred or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer More

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      FA Cup semi-final draw LIVE REACTION: Leicester to play Southampton, Chelsea face Man City – latest updates

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      THIS season’s FA Cup is reaching a crescendo – and the draw for the semi-finals have been made.
      Semi final ties: Leicester vs Southampton
      Chelsea vs Man City

      Follow all the reaction with our live blog below…

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      BRILLIANT FOXES
      It’s fair to say the best side won at the King Power Stadium as Leicester defeated Manchester United 3-1.
      Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring in the 24th minute when Fred, making an awful error of judgement, presented him with the ball in front of goal.
      Mason Greenwood equalised for the visitors shortly before half-time, finishing off a nice move.
      The draw for the semi-finals was done at the interval, with the winners of this tie pitted against Southampton.
      The other semi-final will see Chelsea take on City, which means we could have seen the two Manchester giants meet in the final.
      That prospect was short lived, however, as Youri Tielemans made it 2-1 in the 52nd minute.
      Iheanacho then scored his second and Leicester’s third, punishing some poor United defending with 12 minutes to go.
      ALL OVER!
      Leicester are through to their first FA Cup semi-final in 39 years.
      They will face Southampton at Wembley.
      AT THE DOUBLE
      Here is Iheanacho’s second for Leicester.
      He’s now scored seven in his last four outings.
      Remarkable form.

      3-1 LEICESTER!
      The Foxes are on the verge of reaching Wembley.
      Unbelievably, Iheanacho was left unmarked at the far post to head home.
      Leicester are just 10 minutes away from facing Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final.
      YOUR IT
      Here’s Youri Tielemans’ goal – the one separating the sides currently.

      BOOM! LEICESTER LEAD
      Youri Tielemans has put Leicester ahead.
      Can the Foxes hold on to set up a semi-final against Southampton at Wembley?
      HOW’S YOUR LUCK?
      Everybody wanted to dodge flying Man City but Chelsea were the unlucky party.
      Who do you fancy to make the final?

      CONFIRMATION OF THE DRAW
      Leicester or Manchester United vs Southampton
      Chelsea vs Manchester City
      The two matches will take place on Saturday April 17 and Sunday April 18 at Wembley.
      TIE OF THE ROUND
      Thomas Tuchel’s unbeaten Chelsea will face quadruple-chasing Manchester City in April.
      Either Leicester or Manchester United will have what on paper looks an easier draw against Southampton.
      Bring it on!
      SECOND SEMI
      Chelsea vs Manchester City
      What a huge game that is!
      FIRST GAME!
      Leicester or Man Utd vs Southampton!
      DUBLIN TO DRAW
      Dion Dublin the one man tasked with the draw for social distancing reasons.
      Should be fairly straight forward just the four balls.
      DRAW TIME!
      Southampton, Manchester City, Chelsea and one of Leicester and Manchester United are moments away from finding out their fate.
      Reminder of the all-important numbers:

      Manchester City.
      Southampton
      Leicester or Manchester United
      Chelsea

      HALF-TIME
      Here are the two goals as Leicester and Manchester United go in level at 1-1.
      Draw coming up!

      GET YOUR DIARY READY
      Here are the semi-final dates for your diary, if your team has already secured their place.
      The two matches will take place on Saturday April 17 and Sunday April 18 at Wembley.
      GOALLLL!!!!
      Mason Greenwood has equalised for Manchester United.
      A ding-dong battle for a spot in the FA Cup semi.
      Both sides will find out their potential opponent at half-time in five minutes or so.
      QUADRUPLE LIVES ON
      Manchester City kept their quadruple hopes alive as they stung Everton late on to secure a 2-0 win on Saturday.
      The Toffees had held the runaway Prem leaders at bay for 84 minutes before Ilkay Gundogan broke the deadlock.
      Kevin De Bruyne secured the win in the 90th minute to end Carlo Ancelotti’s side’s resolute resistance.
      Who will Pep Guardiola’s side get in the last four?
      SAINTS SURGE
      Southampton saw off Championship side Bournemouth 3-0 yesterday to book their semi-final spot.
      Nathan Redmond’s double helped Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men overcome the Cherries.
      Moussa Djenepo’s goal had opened the scoring for the Saints who came away from their South Coast rivals’ Vitality Stadium with a comfortable victory.
      GOAL!
      Kelechi Iheanacho strikes for Leicester after Fred’s howler.
      Can Brendan Rodgers’ side hang on to take the last semi-final spot?
      QUARTERS RECAP
      Chelsea scraped past Sheffield United 2-0 today to stretch Thomas Tuchl’s unbeaten run to 14 games and give him a taste of Wembley.
      Oliver Norwood’s own goal and a late stoppage-time strike for sub Hakim Ziyech saw off a spirited Blades.
      NUMBERS
      Here are the numbers you need to know for the draw.

      Manchester City.
      Southampton
      Leicester or Manchester United
      Chelsea

      AFTERNOON FOOTY FANS!
      It is nearly time for the all-important FA Cup semi-final draw.
      Who will join Manchester City, Chelsea and Southampton in the last four.
      Leicester host Manchester United for a spot at Wembley.
      And the crucial balls will be drawn at half-time! Stay with us to find out who your side will play.
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      Leicester 3 Man Utd 1: In-from Iheanacho punishes dreadful Red Devils to fire Foxes to Wembley clash with Southampton

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      WELL, there will be no ego boost for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the FACup after this.The Manchester United boss had downplayed the significance of winningknock-out competitions – then backed up his words by benching his bestplayer, Bruno Fernandes.
      Kelechi Iheanacho terrorised United all game and finished with two goalsCredit: Getty
      It was a real head-in-hands game for United boss Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Paul Marriott
      And the result was a comprehensive defeat by an outstanding Leicesterside, who booked their first FA Cup semi-final for 39 years thanks toa double from their in-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho.
      It was United’s first domestic away defeat for 14 months and it was ahorror show for midfield man Fred, as well as skipper Harry Maguire,who produced a car-crash showing on his return to the King Power.
      Solskjaer had claimed that league form is the true measure of progressand that winning Cups can often be used to boost managerial egoes -and we all wondered which Portuguese predecessor of his he could havebeen referring to.
      But, really, after four semi-final defeats in the past two seasons,who was he trying to kid?
      When the winners of this quarter-final were paired with Southamptonduring the half-time draw for the semis, both would have come outsmiling, knowing they have thrashed the Saints 9-0 in the recent past.
      Yet Leicester dominated for the opening hour, Iheanacho benefittingfrom a horrible mix-up between Maguire and Fred, then Youri Tielemansnetting a classy second after Mason Greenwood’s equaliser.
      The Foxes weathered a brief storm after the introduction of Fernandes,before Iheanacho wrapped it up, unmarked from a set-piece to sum upUnited’s dozy overall performance.
      Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has never reached a major Cup Final inEnglish football – with semi-final defeats against Aston Villa withboth Liverpool and Leicester.
      United were all at sea after Fred’s shocking pass presented the ball to IheanachoCredit: AFP
      Iheanacho is in brilliant form and proved too hot for United to handleCredit: Reuters

      But he will fancy his chances now. Despite a raft of injuries,Leicester are enjoying a hell of a season – on roure for ChampionsLeague qualification and an FA Cup Final.
      Solskajer had taken the bold move of benching his great creativeinfluence Fernandes, giving a rare start to Donny Van de Beek – akaVan de Bench – at the front of a midfield diamond.
      The United boss also dropped his in-form left-back Luke Shaw – newlyrestored to the England squad.
      Rodgers was ballsy from the off, with a front three of Jamie Vardy,Iheanacho and Ayoze Perez.
      And Vardy had the first clear sight on goal after 17 minutes forcingDean Henderson to plunge and push out a shot after Fred sloppilyconceded possession to Iheanacho.
      United’s defence – and Fred – discuss the shocking error that led to the game’s opening goalCredit: Getty
      Then another Fred slip and Vardy was bursting forward again – thistime having a shock blocked by his old mate Harry Maguire.
      And on 25 minutes, the third scoring opportunity of the match – andthe third provided by a Fred mishap – brought the opening goal.
      As United attempted to play it out of their own area, Maguire sentsomething of a hospital ball to Fred – under pressure from Tielemans.
      The Brazilian panicked with a weak back-pass, snapped up by Iheanachowho rounded Henderson to tap home.
      It was a shocker for United but Iheanacho’s sixth goal in four gameswas no more than Leicester deserved for the tempo and intent of theirplay.
      Mason Greenwood some hope when he equalled things up in the first halfCredit: Paul Marriott
      Maguire was then booked for bringing down Iheanacho, who had kipperedhim on the edge of the box.
      United were floundering in defence and devoid of inspiration goingforward – until they suddenly levelled on 38 minutes.
      Paul Pogba neatly turned Wesley Fofana on the left and his centre wasdummied by Van de Beek, allowing Greenwood to lash home first time.
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      Youri Tielemans scored the goal of the game to fire Leicester 2-0 aheadCredit: Getty
      Solskjaer almost looked embarrassed, such had been the paucity of hisside’s play until that point.
      After another wildly mistimed attempt at a tackle from Fred, Perezcurled a powerful shot narrowly wide.
      After the break, Leicester were straight back at United’s throats.
      Tielemans drove forward, exchanged passes with Iheanacho, taking out asluggish Nemanja Matic in the process then steering home pastHenderson from the edge of the box.
      There had been a failed attempt at a tackle from – you guessed it – Fred.
      20 – Alongside Sergio Agüero (21), Kelechi Ịheanachọ is the only other player within the English game to have netted 20+ goals across the two domestic cup competitions since his debut for Manchester City in August 2015 (12 in the FA Cup, 8 in the League Cup). Leading. https://t.co/NlebcmNO2X— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 21, 2021

      Alex Telles thundered a shot narrowly wide as United showed a littleattacking intent.
      But Vardy should have buried United soon after, Wilfried Ndidi winningpossession, Iheanacho releasing last season’s Golden Boot winner, whoskinned Maguire but shot wide and kicked the goal-post in frustration.
      Vardy has scored just once since Christmas, the idea that he carriesthis team is old hat.
      Then a quadruple substitution from Solskajer – Fernandes, Shaw, ScottMcTominay and Edinson Cavani on for Pogba, Telles, Matic and Van deBeek – Fred somehow escaping the cull.
      Iheanacho sealed Leicester’s safe passage into the FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: Reuters
      United instantly livened up – Fernandes pinging crossfield balls, Shawrampaging, McTominay commanding and Cavani menacing.
      But after they’d enjoyed their best spell of the match, United fellasleep at a set-piece and conceded the third.
      Marc Albrighton delivered the free-kick from the left and Iheanachosnuck in behind McTominay and beyond the far post, to head home.
      The Foxes are on their way to Wembley – as United look to end afour-year trophy drought, it is the Europa League or bust.
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      Mason Greenwood did his bit by scoring – sadly his team-mates were well off the paceCredit: Getty
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      Man Utd ratings: Pogba looks sharp but Fred and Matic toil in midfield as Foxes dump Red Devils out of FA Cup

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      MANCHESTER UNITED avoided another cup semi-final showdown with rivals City… before sidestepping the next round entirely.The Red Devils missed out on a Wembley trip to face Southampton following a 3-1 defeat to Leicester City on Sunday.
      Mason Greenwood scored but Manchester United crashed out of the FA CupCredit: Getty
      United were the architects of their own downfall as defensive mistakes led to goals from Kelechi Iheanacho and Youri Tielemans that spelled the end for their time in the cup.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Joe Brophy judged the efforts from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men…
      Dean Henderson – 6
      Stitched up by Fred for the Foxes’ opener but failed to put down a marker as he conceded two more times with David de Gea in the stands.
      Made one important first-half save from Jamie Vardy but arguably could have done more to get a hand to Tielemans’ strike.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
      Typical outing for the right-back. Generally solid in defence but largely absent in attack.
      Victor Lindelof – 6
      Coped well with Vardy in the first-half but the veteran striker gradually started winning the battle after the break.
      Wasn’t at fault for any of the goals with defensive howlers elsewhere.
      Harry Maguire – 5
      Looked uncomfortable against his old side. Fred was at fault for Leicester’s first but it was his centre-back’s hospital pass that put him in trouble.
      Clumsy booking and slow to react when Vardy went through after the break only for his former team-mate to drag his shot wide.
      Fred dropped a disasterclass as United failed to make the FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: AFP
      Alex Telles – 6
      Much more assured performance than the last time he deputised for Luke Shaw in the Europa League first-leg draw against AC Milan.
      Perhaps the only one of the four starters that were subbed early to have a complaint.
      Fred – 3
      An unmitigated disaster. Conceded possession cheaply a number of times early on before he was finally punished by Kelechi Iheanacho.
      The Brazilian then failed to get back and make a challenge on Youri Tielemans for Leicester’s second.
      In the words of Real Madrid star Karim Benzema, United fans may feel that Fred was ‘playing against us.’
      Nemanja Matic – 4
      Brought in for his experience but on this evidence his powers are waning.
      Anonymous in the first-half and got nowhere near Tielemans for his goal. Deservedly subbed for the energy of Scott McTominay.
      Paul Pogba, Donny van de Beek and Mason Greenwood were all involved in United’s goalCredit: AFP
      Paul Pogba – 6
      Naturally looked a bit rusty as he continues to work his way back to full fitness but reminded fans of his quality with his involvement in the opener.
      A lovely drop of the shoulder deceived Wesley Fofana before his cross found Greenwood, via van de Beek’s dummy.
      Donny van de Beek – 6
      Tidy footballer but understandable why he’s struggling to get chances in this United team.
      Clever dummy for the equaliser but struggled to impose himself on the match. Naturally frustrated to be hooked early.
      Mason Greenwood – 6
      Ended his own recent drought in front of goal with a smart finish past Kasper Schmeichel for his first in 16 games.
      Quiet in the second-half but not helped by a lack of involvement from United’s attackers that emerged from the bench.

      Anthony Martial – 5
      Often isolated for long periods of the first-half as the Frenchman made several diagonal runs that weren’t found by his team-mates.
      Never troubled Jonny Evans or Caglar Soyuncu and was similarly ineffective out wide when Edinson Cavani took up the No9 role.
      Subs
      Luke Shaw (For Telles) – 6. Didn’t affect the game.
      Edinson Cavani (For VDB) – 5. Built match fitness.
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      Bruno Fernandes (For Pogba) – 6. Took a good free-kick.
      Scott McTominay (For Matic) – 4. Switched off for Leicester’s third.
      Amad Diallo (For Fred) – N/A
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