Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi earns high praise from Van Nistelrooy despite FA Cup defeat to Man United

Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy lavished praise on Wilfred Ndidi following his commanding display in the Foxes’ 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup at Old Trafford on Friday night, Soccernet.football reports.

Ndidi’s inclusion in the starting lineup came as a surprise, given that he had been sidelined for nearly two months. The Nigerian midfielder, making his first appearance since December 8, 2024, lasted 58 minutes before being replaced by Harry Winks.

Despite Leicester’s eventual elimination, Ndidi played a crucial role in their opening goal. With four minutes left in the first half, his powerful effort was saved by André Onana, allowing Bobby De Cordova-Reid to nod in the rebound and hand Leicester a deserved lead.

With Jamie Vardy absent due to a minor injury, Ndidi was entrusted with the captain’s armband, a responsibility he embraced with distinction.

Van Nistelrooy was particularly impressed by the 27-year-old’s leadership, highlighting his composure, communication, and influence both on and off the ball.

“You’ve seen the game, the way he played, the way he lifted the team, on the ball, off the ball. His performance was excellent, but also his leadership,” Van Nistelrooy said, as quoted by Leicestershire Live.

“Not only the captain’s armband he wore, the way he led the team, the way he demanded from his surroundings, coaching, talking, preventing situations from occurring.

“I thought Bouba and Wilf had a great partnership today on the ball but also off the ball to control the game.”

Leicester’s FA Cup journey ended in heartbreaking fashion, with former Foxes defender Harry Maguire heading in a controversial stoppage-time equalizer before Manchester United completed their comeback.