The tension peaked when a controversial penalty was awarded to Arsenal after Harry Maguire’s alleged foul on Kai Havertz, with the score at 1-1. ..Continue Reading
As Maguire attempted to confront Havertz, a chaotic brawl erupted, during which Ugarte seemed to headbutt the German player.
Referee Andy Madley did not appear to notice Ugarte’s involvement, as he was not among the three players booked after the incident.
Additionally, since VAR is not used in the FA Cup’s third and fourth rounds, the incident may come under further scrutiny.
If deemed violent conduct, Ugarte could face a three-match suspension. Despite the drama, the match ultimately swung in United’s favor as Altay Bayindir saved Martin Odegaard’s penalty, and the Red Devils triumphed in the penalty shootout.
After the game, Ugarte took to Instagram, posting snapshots of himself in action, accompanied by the phrase: “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,” reports the Mirror.
United boss Ruben Amorim also chimed in with similar sentiments, saying: “Thankfully, the players were there. They fight, and what we talk about before the match is not technical or tactical, but this.
“We have to compete no matter the situation, and we competed today. I think they [Arsenal] had more chances, but I think we deserved to win. Arsenal maybe didn’t deserve to lose, but we deserved the win, with the way we played and the way we fought.
“It was really tough at the beginning and not having the ball, but without the ball you can control the game. We had the feeling that everything in the end would be okay – I felt that since the beginning of the second half.
“Even after the penalty, I felt that and I think the Arsenal team maybe felt that today wouldn’t be their day. But I’m really pleased for the way we controlled the game without the ball, and with set-pieces, we were really strong.
“The spirit was there even with 10 men. I think the connection between the team on the pitch and the fans outside was a really good thing to feel. I think we are improving on that and I think that is the base of everything. Now the rest will come but that connection, we are fighting.”
