Why VAR was not in use for Man Utd vs Leicester after Harry Maguire nets controversial winner

The reason why Video Assistant Referee was not in use for Manchester United's FA Cup clash against Leicester City has been revealed.

On Friday night, United left it late again as they managed to seal their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Under the lights at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim's men were booed off at half-time after Bobby Decordova-Reid gave Leicester a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, Joshua Zirkzee equalised in the 68th minute before Harry Maguire headed in a winner deep into stoppage time.

However, the replays appeared to show that Maguire was in an offside position when the free-kick was played by Bruno Fernandes.

Luckily for United, VAR was not in use to chalk off the goal.

Previously in the FA Cup, VAR was used in the third and fourth rounds if the tie was played at a Premier League ground.

However, ahead of the 24/25 season, the regulation was changed and VAR will only be used from the fifth round onwards.

Why was VAR not in use for Manchester United vs Leicester City?

As reported by The Sun, a statement from the FA said: "Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards.

"It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds."

HARRY MAGUIIIIREEEE!!!! ⚽️💥

Manchester United have won it at the death!

But is he offside? It doesn't matter, there's no VAR 📹#MUFC | #LCFC | @EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/nkcxO3ZCPo

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) February 7, 2025

The statement continued: "VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.

"This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition."

United will be back in action next weekend when they take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.