It was a night to remember for Manchester United goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk.
Manchester United beat Leicester City 2-1 on Friday night to progress in the FA Cup.
It was far from a straightforward tie as Ruben Amorim’s side made hard work of a win at Old Trafford, where they have struggled to win matches this season.
Leicester City opened the scoring just before half-time through Bobby De Cordova-Reid, but the game changed in the second half following the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee from the bench.
The Reds forced a dramatic comeback, thanks to Zirkzee’s equaliser and then Harry Maguire’s 93rd-minute winner. They did just enough to secure a place in the FA Cup fifth round but won’t find out their opponents until Monday night.
Amorim was pleased with the result but not the performance. United will need to improve if they’re to go all the way and defend the FA Cup this season.
Hubert Graczyk reaches Manchester United milestone
Although most fans are bound to be critical of United’s performance, it was a positive night on an individual note for some players.
Garnacho dominated the headlines for his match of the match display, despite only being on the pitch for 45 minutes, and new signing Patrick Dorgu make his debut in front of the Old Trafford faithful.
It was a special night for Zirkzee as well as the Netherlands international added to his tally shortly after coming on as a substitute.
On another note, United academy goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk had reason to celebrate even though he has yet to make an appearance for the first-team.
The 21-year-old made the senior matchday squad for the first time on Friday night after Amorim confirmed that Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton were both injured. As a result, Andre Onana started between the sticks, but the Cameroon star couldn’t do anything to prevent Leicester’s goal.
This made for an occasion Graczyk will never forget.
Graczyk took to Instagram on Saturday morning to share a picture of his jersey, along with the caption: “What a night making my first match day squad. Even better to top it off with a win!
Graczyk’s next milestone will be making a first team debut for United. He will have to work hard to achieve that feat because there are at least three goalkeepers ahead of him when everyone is fully fit.
Manchester United getting joy from Arsenal’s academy
United have singed a number of players from Arsenal’s academy in recent years.
Graczyk made the move from Arsenal last summer after he was released by the Gunners. This made the process an easy one, unlike Chido Obi in the summer.
United also signed Ayden Heaven from Arsenal in the January transfer window.
This will concern Arsenal fans because they’ve lost a lot of their most talented prospects to United.
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