United Beyond Manchester

Patrick Dorgu’s red card seemed a devastating setback for Manchester United after the team took a 2-1 lead in the first half. However, the Reds continued to fight, eventually leaving Old Trafford with a 3-2 win and all three points.

Match Flow

A shocking miscommunication between Patrick Dorgu and Andre Onana gifted Ipswich Town a lead within the first five minutes. Jack Greaves launched a hopeful ball over the top, which Dorgu had under control. The young wing-back attempted to pass the ball to his goalkeeper, but Onana had rushed out to collect it. This led to Dorgu inadvertently playing the ball around Onana and into the path of Jaden Philogene, who tapped it into the net.

A well-worked free-kick brought the Reds level just after the 20-minute mark. Bruno Fernandes fizzed in a cross that Sam Morsy connected with, accidentally heading the ball into his own net to make it 1-1.

Another set-piece four minutes later completed a first-half comeback for Manchester United. Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot had shots saved after a Bruno Fernandes corner kick before Matthijs De Ligt finally forced the ball over the line for his second United goal and the lead.

After his early mistake, Patrick Dorgu responded well, but his day ended early after a poor tackle and a VAR check. The Danish wing back lunged in on Omari Hutchinson and made contact high on his shin, leading to the referee going to the monitor and producing a red card.

Quickly after the red, Ipswich made the most of the man advantage and brought the game to 2-2. Jaden Philogene played a curling ball across the face of the goal that went untouched and past Onana for his second of the half.

Harry Maguire took United up to three set-piece goals in the match with a header off a corner shortly after the break. A perfect delivery from Bruno found Maguire, who easily beat his defender and headed past Alex Palmer to retake the advantage.

After taking the lead, Manchester United sat deeper and defended more, resorting to counterattacks going the other way.

Analysis

Manchester United were excellent on attacking set pieces. Bruno Fernandes produced several perfect deliveries, and his targets found space and showed a desire to get to the ball first. The Reds have the size and quality to consistently threaten on set pieces and showed that today.

After Dorgu’s red card, Manchester United fought hard and defended soundly to keep Ipswich out the rest of the rest of the way. Harry Maguire, Matthijs De Ligt, and Leny Yoro were excellent, and Amorim’s move to switch De Ligt and Yoro paid off. United grabbed momentum late against Everton, and it seems to have added fuel and fight to a team that has been struggling for so long.

Next Match

Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup on Sunday in a continued effort to retain the trophy.