Forget Fergie Time, This Was Offside Time!. You don’t need VAR to see that Maguire was in an offside position. Football definitely did not win yesterday” – This is according to Ruud van Nistelrooy as he Criticizes Controversial Call That Crushed Leicester City’s FA Cup Dreams Against Man United I understand his frustration but that doesn’t mean he can say what he wants 😳💔 That goal was clearly an onside goal 😳🙌
Ruud van Nistelrooy did not hide his disappointment following Leicester City’s crushing FA Cup exit against Manchester United, as a contentious decision dashed their hopes of progressing. The former United striker was vocal about the officiating, insisting that the decisive moment wasn’t about the famous “Fergie Time” but rather what he called “Offside Time.”
Clearly frustrated, Van Nistelrooy criticized the controversial decision that sealed Leicester’s fate, sparking heated discussions among fans and analysts. The debate surrounding the officiating has intensified, with many questioning whether the officials got the call right.
Leicester delivered a spirited performance, with standout displays from Bilal El Khannouss and Wilfred Ndidi fueling their push for an upset at Old Trafford. Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s well-placed header handed the Foxes a deserved lead, and they looked poised for a memorable victory, especially after Caleb Okoli’s last-ditch goal-line clearance. However, the tide turned when Joshua Zirkzee equalized from close range, setting up a tense conclusion.
With extra time looming, Harry Maguire netted a stoppage-time winner that ended Leicester’s FA Cup journey. The controversy erupted when replays showed Maguire in an offside position at the moment of scoring, sparking outrage among Leicester supporters and prompting Van Nistelrooy to voice his strong disapproval.
Speaking to ITV, Van Nistelrooy expressed disbelief at the lack of intervention, arguing that such an obvious offside didn’t require VAR. He stressed that Maguire was nearly half a meter ahead of the last defender, making the decision indefensible. He also lamented that Leicester had fought valiantly and at the very least deserved the opportunity to take the match into extra time.
The frustration was worsened by the fact that FA Cup rules only permit VAR from the Fifth Round onward, leaving Leicester feeling powerless against a decision that heavily influenced their campaign. While the rule remains unchanged, it was little consolation for a team that felt robbed of a fair chance to advance.
With their FA Cup aspirations shattered, Leicester must now turn their full attention to the Premier League, where they are in a fierce struggle to avoid relegation. Their form has been concerning, with eight defeats in their last nine matches across all competitions. Up next is a crucial clash against Arsenal, a match that could either reignite their fighting spirit or further dampen their morale.
For Manchester United, Maguire’s late winner—controversial or not—adds to their reputation for dramatic finishes. With impactful performances from Zirkzee and Garnacho, Amorim may have some decisions to make regarding his squad selection moving forward.
Do you believe United were fortunate, or was this simply another example of their resilience shining through at th
e right moment?
