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Manchester United superstar could face a potential 3-match BAN!

Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte may face a three-game suspension after allegedly headbutting Arsenal’s Kai Havertz during their FA Cup match at the Emirates on January 12. While United secured a hard-fought victory, the incident involving Ugarte threatens to overshadow their achievement.

 

Arsenal controlled the early stages of the match, but Bruno Fernandes broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute with a pinpoint finish. United’s lead was short-lived as Diogo Dalot picked up a second yellow card nine minutes later, leaving the team with ten players. Arsenal quickly capitalized, leveling the score in the 63rd minute when Gabriel Magalhães struck after a deflection left United defender Matthijs de Ligt unable to intervene.

 

The tension escalated when referee Andy Madley awarded Arsenal a contentious penalty following minimal contact between Harry Maguire and Havertz. The decision, made without VAR review, incensed United players, resulting in a heated confrontation. During the commotion, Ugarte was seen appearing to headbutt Havertz, who collapsed to the ground. The referee failed to notice the incident, sparing Ugarte from immediate repercussions, though Maguire, Havertz, and Gabriel received yellow cards for their roles in the scuffle.

 

The Football Association is now examining footage of the altercation, with Ugarte facing a potential retrospective ban if found guilty of violent conduct. This could be a significant setback for United, as the Uruguayan midfielder has been instrumental this season.

 

Despite the controversy, goalkeeper Altay Bayindir shone brightly for United. He saved Martin Ødegaard’s penalty to keep the scores level and later stopped Havertz during the penalty shootout, securing United’s passage to the Fourth Round. Bayindir’s exceptional performance underscored the team’s resilience, even after being reduced to ten men.

 

The victory sets up a Fourth Round clash against Leicester City on February 8, but the uncertainty surrounding Ugarte’s suspension looms large as United prepares for their upcoming league match against Southampton on January 16. Under manager Ruben Amorim, who took charge in November, the team has shown glimpses of progress, including key wins against Manchester City and Arsenal. However, consistency remains an issue, with United currently positioned 13th in the league after 20 matches.

 

For Arsenal, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite dominating the game, they squandered key opportunities, with Havertz’s missed penalty adding to his ongoing struggles since joining the club.

 

The FA’s impending decision on Ugarte could have lasting repercussions for United’s campaign. While the team can take pride in their gritty win, they must prepare for the challenges ahead, knowing that even minor setbacks could shape their season’s trajectory. Meanwhile, Arsenal is left to rue another missed opportunity in a season of

frustration.

 

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