Manuel Ugarte could face retrospective action from the Football Association for his role in a brawl on the pitch during Manchester United's dramatic FA Cup triumph over Arsenal on Sunday.
Tempers boiled over midway through the second half when Arsenal were awarded a penalty for an alleged foul on Kai Havertz by Harry Maguire, who was furious at the decision. United's anxiety escalated into a multi-player melee, with Ugarte and Havertz finding themselves at the centre.
Havertz ended up on the floor after a scuffle with Ugarte, who appeared to have pushed his head upright Arsenal ahead. While contact was minimal, the FA will have to question Ugarte's intentions.
As there was no VAR in action – the system will not be used until the fifth round of the FA Cup – Ugarte's action was not reviewed and appears to have been missed by the on-field official, who did not show the midfielder a yellow card. .
Havertz, who was also spotted with his hand around Ugarte's throat, was shown a yellow card, prompting the referee to mark the German's actions and award what he felt was the appropriate punishment.
If Ugarte's alleged header was missed, it could prompt an investigation that could lead to a suspension for the summer signing, who has won united fans over the past few weeks with his relentless attitude during matches.
“When we have the ball, it's a game and when we don't, it's a war,” Ugarte wrote on social networks after the match. “Let's always continue it together.”