Manchester United secured a crucial 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, easing relegation fears but exposing defensive frailties. Despite playing with ten men for the entire second half, Manchester United held on, with captain Harry Maguire emerging as the match-winner for the second consecutive home game.
The night began disastrously for United as Patrick Dorgu and Andre Onana gifted Ipswich an early goal. The visitors capitalized on Manchester United’s defensive disarray, but the home side fought back through a set-piece masterclass from Bruno Fernandes, leading to an own goal and a Matthijs de Ligt strike. However, Ipswich leveled just before halftime, benefiting from yet another defensive lapse.
Defensive Meltdown Gifts Ipswich the Lead
Manchester United’s defensive struggles were on full display within the opening four minutes. Patrick Dorgu, making his Premier League debut at Old Trafford, attempted a routine back pass but failed to look up, sending the ball beyond the stranded Onana. Ipswich’s Jaden Philogene, who had pressed forward out of sheer hope, found himself with the easiest goal of his career, rolling the ball into an empty net.
The mix-up silenced Old Trafford and raised further questions about Manchester United’s shaky backline. It was the latest in a series of errors from Onana this season, but on this occasion, Dorgu had to take full responsibility. With Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna returning to Old Trafford as manager, his side were gifted a dream start against his former club.
Manchester United’s Set-Piece Comeback
Despite the setback, Manchester United showed resilience and found their way back through Bruno Fernandes’ set-piece prowess. A curling free-kick from the Portuguese playmaker caused chaos in the Ipswich box, with Town captain Sam Morsy inadvertently heading the ball into his own net.
Just four minutes later, Fernandes delivered a precise corner that led to Maguire’s header being saved by Alex Palmer. The Ipswich goalkeeper made another reflex save from Diogo Dalot’s rebound, but Matthijs de Ligt pounced to fire the ball into the roof of the net, handing United a 2-1 lead. The Old Trafford faithful erupted, sensing that their team had finally found some rhythm.
Dorgu’s Nightmare: Red Card and Another Equalizer
Just as Manchester United seemed to be in control, disaster struck again. Dorgu, already at fault for the first goal, lunged into a reckless challenge on Omari Hutchinson near the dugouts. Initially, referee Darren England waved play on, but VAR intervened, and upon reviewing the footage, the official had no choice but to show a straight red card.
Down to ten men, United were left vulnerable, and Ipswich capitalized almost immediately. Another hopeful ball from Philogene into the United box evaded both Liam Delap and Onana before trickling into the net for an equalizer. It was another defensive horror show for United, and Amorim’s frustration was evident as he walked down the tunnel at halftime.
Maguire’s Winner and Manchester United’s Defensive Stand
United emerged from the break with renewed determination, and within minutes, Maguire made the difference. Fernandes delivered yet another pinpoint corner, and the United captain outmuscled Philogene to direct a downward header past Palmer, restoring the Red Devils’ lead at 3-2.
Despite being a man down, United managed the game well in the second half, limiting Ipswich to long-range efforts. Jack Taylor sliced a shot wide, while a dangerous Jens Cajuste cross just evaded Philogene. Onana, under intense scrutiny, remained relatively untroubled as United held firm to claim a vital three points.
Final Thoughts: A Crucial Win, But Concerns Remain
Manchester United’s victory lifts them out of immediate danger, but the performance left much to be desired. While Fernandes’ set-piece deliveries and Maguire’s leadership proved decisive, the team’s defensive lapses and Dorgu’s rash decision-making highlighted areas that need urgent improvement.
Ipswich, despite showing great fight, extended their winless run to eight matches and will rue missed opportunities. For United, this win provides some breathing space, but Ruben Amorim will know his side must improve if they are to avoid further struggles this season.
