Leicester City returned to Carabao Cup action on Wednesday, facing Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Foxes entered the match determined to rebound from a disappointing loss against Steve Cooper’s former team, Nottingham Forest, on Friday evening.
Leicester City currently sits 15th in the Premier League table, facing the threat of dropping into the relegation zone this weekend following their recent defeat. However, the Carabao Cup provided a much-needed respite from their league struggles this season. The Midlands outfit comfortably defeated Tranmere Rovers 4-0 in the second round and advanced past Walsall via penalties in the previous round. On Wednesday, they encountered their toughest challenge yet, facing a Manchester United side eager to prove their worth to the incoming manager after Erik ten Hag’s sacking.
Bobby De Cordova-Reid faced significant challenges during Leicester City’s match against Manchester United, particularly in the first half at Old Trafford. The Foxes’ backline was frequently exposed, with James Justin struggling to contain the pace and skill of Alejandro Garnacho, leading to a difficult outing for Leicester as they dealt with United’s relentless attacking pressure.
Manchester United took a commanding 4-2 lead into halftime, with a late goal from Conor Coady giving Leicester City a glimmer of hope for a comeback in the second half. After the break, the Foxes showed some early signs of life, but a costly miscommunication between Caleb Okoli and James Justin allowed Bruno Fernandes to break free and net United’s fifth goal of the match. While Leicester’s defense was understandably the focus of criticism following the game, one attacker failed to make an impact against the Manchester side, further compounding the team’s struggles on the night.
The player in question was Bobby De Cordova-Reid, who had a particularly disappointing performance. According to Sofascore, he completed zero dribbles, registered no shots on target, and failed to win any aerial or ground duels. Additionally, he lost possession 13 times during the match, had only 38 touches, and completed just 72 percent of his passes. This lack of impact further highlighted Leicester City’s attacking woes against Manchester United.
Steve Cooper is likely feeling concerned about Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s performance following the match against Manchester United. The 31-year-old forward joined Leicester City over the summer in hopes of providing much-needed firepower to the team. However, he has struggled to meet expectations since his move to the King Power Stadium. After starting in the opening two Premier League matches of the 2024/25 season, De Cordova-Reid was dropped to the bench and has managed to accumulate only 161 minutes of action in the top flight. His inability to make an impact raises questions about his future role within the squad and the club’s offensive capabilities moving forward.
After failing to make an impression in the League Cup against Manchester United, Cooper will undoubtedly be worried that Bobby De Cordova-Reid could turn out to be a serious transfer flop for Leicester City. The lack of contribution in a crucial match raises concerns about his ability to adapt to the Premier League and deliver the firepower the Foxes desperately need. As the season progresses, the pressure will be on De Cordova-Reid to turn his fortunes around and justify his place in the squad. Otherwise, his disappointing performances may lead to further scrutiny and questions about his suitability for the team.