- Man Utd defeated Arsenal in a fiery FA Cup third-round encounter.
- Penalty controversy sparked a second-half brawl involving multiple players.
- Manuel Ugarte could face FA action for an alleged headbutt on Kai Havertz.
Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is at risk of suspension after his involvement in a heated altercation during his side’s FA Cup third-round victory over Arsenal on Sunday.
The dramatic clash boiled over in the second half when Arsenal were awarded a controversial penalty following a foul by Harry Maguire on Kai Havertz. The decision enraged United players and led to a multi-player brawl, with Ugarte and Havertz at the center of the chaos.
Ugarte Under the Spotlight
During the melee, Havertz fell to the ground after an apparent clash with Ugarte, who seemed to move his head toward the Arsenal forward. Although contact appeared minimal, the intent behind Ugarte’s actions may come under scrutiny from the Football Association.
VAR was not in use for this round of the FA Cup, meaning the incident was not reviewed during the match. The referee did not penalize Ugarte, but Havertz was shown a yellow card for his role in the confrontation, which included placing his hand around Ugarte’s throat.
If the FA determines that Ugarte’s actions were missed and warrant disciplinary action, the summer signing could face a suspension. This would be a significant blow for United, as Ugarte has quickly become a fan favorite for his aggressive and uncompromising style.
Ugarte’s Statement
Ugarte addressed the game’s intensity on social media, writing:
“When we have the ball, it’s a game and when we don’t, it’s a fight. Let’s keep it going always together.”
What’s Next?
With tensions high and scrutiny on the FA’s decision, Ugarte’s fate remains uncertain. If suspended, his absence could impact United’s upcoming fixtures, as his tenacity has been a key asset in recent weeks.













