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      Fans will have to take THREE Covid tests to attend Leicester’s FA Cup semi-final vs Southampton in first match back

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      FANS will have to take THREE Covid tests to watch the first match back at Wembley.Leicester’s FA Cup semi-final with Southampton a fortnight on Sunday will be used as a test event with a 4,000-strong crowd.
      The FA Cup semi-final between Leicester and Southampton will be watched by 4,000 fansCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Supporters will have to take three coronavirus tests in order to watch the clash at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Anyone attending must take a lateral flow test beforehand, provide proof of an official test and take one 24 hours after the game.
      If everything goes well, around 8,000 fans will be allowed in for Manchester City’s Carabao Cup final against Spurs a week later.
      The matches will hopefully pave the way for 20,000 fans to be at Wembley for Euro 2020.
      Only those living in the borough of Brent will be allowed to attend the Foxes’ clash against the Saints.
      And the majority of tickets for the Carabao Cup final will be given to NHS staff as a thank you for their hard work over the pandemic.
      It is understood that local residents would also be in line to attend – putting Spurs supporters at a slight advantage with the game played in the capital.
      A small allocation for both clubs feature in the plans although it is uncertain whether Citizens fans would be allowed to travel from Manchester.
      Meanwhile Wembley bosses are hoping to be allowed up to 20,000 fans for the FA Cup Final on May 15.
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      Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “We’re finalising the details but the figure of 20,000 for the FA Cup Final is one I recognise and that seems to be the ambition.
      “We would like as many as possible as we believe is safe because these are important tests and processes to get the systems in place in terms of hygiene and other things.
      “On May 17 the goal is for major outdoor events to have capacities of 10,000 so the pilot would be pushing it beyond that, which is quite important.”
      Harry Kane gives a goal scoring masterclass in Tottenham training More

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      Wembley to host biggest post-Covid crowd of 4,000 fans for FA Cup semi-final between Leicester and Southampton

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      LEICESTER’S clash with Southampton has been selected as the FA Cup semi-final that will have 4,000 spectators.But the crowd at Wembley on April 18 will be restricted to local residents living in the borough of Brent.
      Fans are set to trek up Wembley Way later this monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      As many as 4,000 seats could be filled for the clashCredit: REUTERS
      And the decision means the tie between Chelsea and Manchester City the previous evening will be played behind closed doors.
      The FA asked the Government to be allowed to use one of the semi-finals as part of the “pilot” programme ahead of the May 17 date for the return of crowds of up to 10,000.
      That was signed off by the DCMS but Brent Council asked for its residents to be the ones given access on safety grounds as a condition of green-lighting the trial.
      It is likely that health service and local authority employees will be invited to walk through the turnstiles, rather than fans of either side who happen to live in the borough.
      Wembley bosses are hoping to be allowed up to 20,000 fans for the FA Cup Final on May 15, as part of the ramping up efforts ahead of Euro 2020.
      The FA will tell Uefa next week that it will be seeking to allow 45,000 fans – and maybe more – for the four knockout games in the Euros it will be hosting, including both semi-finals and the Final.
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      Leicester reached their first FA Cup semi-final since 1982 with a victory over Manchester United in the quarter-finals.
      Southampton eased past Championship club Bournemouth, winning 3-0.
      Only the Saints have won the cup previously, in 1976, but their pair have lost a combined seven finals between them.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Find out who is playing who in the FA Cup semi-final draw More

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      FA Cup semi-final to have fans as part of pilot to trial crowds return but other fixture will remain behind closed doors

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      THE GOVERNMENT has confirmed it will back allowing 20,000 fans to attend the FA Cup Final – in a bid to speed up the return to full houses by the end of the summer.One of next month’s FA Cup semis is also in line to have be watched by a crowd as well – although that will be entirely made up of no more than 4,000 local residents.
      4,000 fans will be allowed in at one of next month’s FA Cup semi finalsCredit: REUTERS
      Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston is working with the FA, Premier League and other sports bodies ahead of the scheduled May 17 date for turnstiles to be re-opened for crowds of up to 10,000.
      The Cup Final will take place at Wembley on May 15, two days before the deadline.
      But the Government is working with the FA on a plan for Wembley to hold more than a fifth of its 90,000 capacity as one of the ‘pilot’ schemes to advance the return of supporters.
      Huddleston told LBC: “We’re finalising the details but the figure of 20,000 for the FA Cup Final is one I recognise and that seems to be the ambition.
      “We would like as many as possible as we believe is safe because these are important tests and processes to get the systems in place in terms of hygiene and other things.
      “On May 17 the goal is for major outdoor events to have capacities of 10,000 so the pilot would be pushing it beyond that, which is quite important.”
      Prem chiefs plan to shift the penultimate round of League fixtures back to May 18 and 19, allowing each club to have one home match in front of up to 10,000 supporters.
      The clubs are to urge the Government to allow 10 per cent of those crowds to be made up of away fans – the first time visiting supporters have been inside grounds since last March.
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      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Before then, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden revealed he will back a proposal for up to 4,000 to be allowed through the Wembley gates for either Southamton’s FA Cup semi-final against Leicester on April 17 or the clash between Chelsea and Manchester City the following day.
      Tickets, though, will be strictly rationed to people who live in Brent, the borough in which the stadium sits.
      Dowden explained: The purpose of this is not so much the overall number, it is how they interact with each other and social distancing, behavioural factors.
      “We will be testing them before and after to look at spread and look at how they behave in the stadium. 
      “So we’re not just chucking everyone into the stadiums, it is being done in a very controlled way and the purpose is to get the rules set can so it can be as safe as possible from the 21 June.”
      EFL bosses are also hoping to get the green light to have up to 8,000 inside Wembley for the Carabao Cup Final between City and Spurs on April 25, although the majority would be local residents.  
      Huddleston added that the Government had embarked on a ‘cautious but hopefully irreversible roadmap’ for fans.
      That should allow supporters to also attend Wimbledon and the British Grand Prix at Silverstone at the start of July.
      He said: “If we continue as we are doing and proceed on the roadmap as planned, we should have crowds. At this stage I can’t say how many.
      “But we want to get back to full capacities as soon as possible because it is so important for the finances of the sports, who will be in jeopardy unless they can get enough people through the gates.
      “I can’t give any guarantees on the numbers yet but that is why the pilots and the next steps are so important.”
      Find out who is playing who in the FA Cup semi-final draw More

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      Hills vows to bring ‘good times’ to Charlton and targets top-flight return for Addicks’ women’s team

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      KAREN HILLS wants to lead Charlton back to the top tier of the women’s game after taking up the mantle as the team’s head coach. And the ex-Tottenham boss hopes to bring the glory days back to the Addicks who are battling to avoid relegation from the Women’s Championship. 
      Karen Hill says she likes the “challenge” of helping Charlton Women become a top-flight teamCredit: Rex
      Hills, 45, was speaking to Charlton hero Scott Minto on the club’s website days after making her return to management.
      Her appointment occurred in the same week Nigel Adkins replaced Lee Bowyer as gaffer of the Addicks’ men’s side, with Bowyer replacing Aitor Karanka at Birmingham City.
      And Hills believes helping Charlton to become a force at the sport’s highest levels is the ‘perfect’ challenge for her.
      Hills said: “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind if I’m honest, and probably pretty much the same for Nigel as well.  
      “With Thomas (Sandgaard) coming in I think the club’s in fantastic shape.
      “And with the atmosphere around the training ground, it just seems that the vibe is really positive and everyone’s excited about the next chapter. 
      “For me, I like to build, I like a project, I like a challenge and I think this is a perfect fit for me at this moment in time.”
      Charlton, who are third from bottom in the Women’s Championship and three points off the drop zone, were one of the top sides in the country for seven years from 2000 to 2007. 
      Former players of the team, who take on Crystal Palace next, include Hills, Casey Stoney, Eniola Aluko and Katie Chapman. 
      The club, who were league title runners-up in 2004, are four-time Women’s FA Cup finalists, winning the trophy in 2005.
      Charlton are due to play Crystal Palace before taking on London City LionessesCredit: Zuma Press

      And Hills was part of that triumphant team captained by Stoney that beat Everton 1-0. 
      Hills added: “I’ve had the privilege to play for Charlton and I had amazing times playing in the FA Cup final and winning a FA Cup final medal. 
      “We were successful in getting four opportunities to play in the final.
      “Unfortunately we got pipped quite a lot by Arsenal because they were top of the game at that moment in time, but we were always thereabouts.
      “The women’s game at the moment is in such a fantastic shape, but you see the top division WSL and that’s where I think Charlton deserved to be.  
      “They were a huge club and we had some fantastic players when I was here playing, and I want to bring the good times back to Charlton on the pitch.
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      Charlton hope to pick up their first win of the month when they take on Crystal PalaceCredit: Zuma Press
      “I think we’ve got an opportunity to take the women forward and progress, and I’m excited to be part of that project and journey.”
      Hills played for Charlton from 2000 to 2007, before managing Tottenham for 11 years from 2009. 
      And the former Addicks defender will be aiming to lead her team to their first win of the month when they visit Palace ahead of a Sunday derby clash with London City.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Rio Ferdinand, Jens Lehmann and Robin van Persie star in BT Sports new women’s football series Ultimate Goal More

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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.

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      “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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