“No doubt…” – Manchester United learn truth about potential Manuel Ugarte ban after Arsenal headbutt

Manchester United have been told to expect contact from the Football Association following Manuel Ugarte’s headbutt on Kai Havertz during FA Cup victory over Arsenal.

Ruben Amorim’s side produced a brilliant display against Arsenal with 10 men for around 70 minutes and secured victory on penalties.

The Reds took the lead early in the second half through a superb Bruno Fernandes strike but minutes later Diogo Dalot was sent off for his second bookable offence.

Arsenal hit back with an equaliser shortly afterwards and then referee Andy Madley blew for a penalty for the Gunners after Kai Havertz went down under minimal contact from Harry Maguire.

The decision caused uproar among the United players and fanbase, with Maguire shouting towards the German striker that he was a “cheating scumbag”.

Several players were involved in an altercation in the penalty area which eventually saw Havertz once again flop to the floor after what appeared to be a headbutt from Manuel Ugarte.

Since VAR was not in use in the third-round FA Cup clash, Madley was unable to punish Ugarte but the Football Association (FA) could take retrospective action.

Will Ugarte receive ban from FA for headbutt?

It has not yet been clarified whether the FA are investigating the incident and planning to ban Ugarte, but former referee Keith Hackett is “convinced” that it will be something that occurs.

Hackett added that it was a “clear headbutt” from United’s midfielder and claimed that he’d be “disappointed” if the Uruguayan is not given a ban.

“The Football Association will no doubt investigate this by charging both teams for failing to control their players,” Hackett wrote in his Daily Telegraph column.

“I am convinced they will look closely at that illegal use of the head. In my opinion, there was a clear headbutt from Ugarte and this should have been seen and acted upon.

“I will be disappointed if the FA does not take action. The FA will contact the match officials knowing that they will have the referees’ report in front of them by 9am on Monday morning.

“The match officials will be asked what they saw in relation to a potential headbutt. If they say they have not then the FA will take that into account and there is a risk that the player will be charged retrospectively, along with both teams.”

What United games would Ugarte miss if he was banned?

If the FA decided to ban Ugarte for a number of matches, it would be for all domestic competitions and not just in the FA Cup.

For example, Diogo Dalot will receive a one-game suspension after his red card at the Emirates Stadium but that will be for the upcoming Premier League clash against Southampton, rather than the fourth-round tie with Leicester City.

However, it also seems unlikely that the FA will take action before United’s game with the Saints on Thursday evening.

Read More: Bruno Fernandes trolls Manchester United star after “unbelievable” 8.5/10 performance vs Arsenal

Wolves star Matheus Cunha was able to play three fixtures before the FA confirmed his suspension after he attacked an Ipswich Town staff member.

United could push against any potential ban for Ugarte. TV camera angles did not show any clear contact of the apparent headbutt.

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