Lineker heaps praise on ‘underrated’ £190k-a-week United star, he’s simply ‘terrific’

Stretty News

·12. Februar 2025

Lineker heaps praise on ‘underrated’ £190k-a-week United star, he’s simply ‘terrific’

Despite his team falling to an eventual 2-1 defeat and consequently being knocked out of the FA Cup, Gary Lineker couldn’t help but praise one Manchester United star for his performance against Leicester City.

The fourth-round tie was nothing short of lacklustre from the first blow of the whistle, which has been a common theme for the Red Devils in recent weeks as Ruben Amorim continues getting to grips with his most effective starting XI.

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Ultimately, United were able to complete a second-half turnaround courtesy of Joshua Zirkzee’s equaliser to cancel out Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s goal, followed by an injury-time winner from Harry Maguire in what came as a gutting blow to his former club.

Had VAR been in use at that stage of the competition, there’s little to no doubt that the defender’s powerful bullet header would’ve been disallowed due to him standing in an offside position. As such, the Foxes headed back down to the Midlands feeling all kinds of aggrieved.

Lineker singles out ‘terrific’ Maguire

Maguire steers home his header to secure United’s FA Cup progression. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Reacting to the clash, Leicester-born Lineker, who represented his boyhood side from 1978 to 1985, cherry-picked the £80 million man for worthy praise – and not just because of his goal contribution.

“He is a former Leicester man. I think he is underrated at times,” said the England legend, as per RedMancunian.

“I think he is better. We all know he can be caught on the turn. He is not the quickest on the turn, but he is a great competitor. He is good on the ball, terrific in both boxes and will get you the odd goal.”

“He has never let his country down when he has played,” Lineker continued. “I am not going to be too begrudging of him scoring [against Leicester].”

United were granted nine days of rest between their much-needed victory and their return to Premier League action this Sunday when they travel to face fellow strugglers Tottenham Hotspur.