Manchester United’s young full-back, Patrick Dorgu, faces a three-match suspension after receiving a straight red card during the team’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town.
The 20-year-old, who joined United from Lecce in January, was making just his third appearance under Ruben Amorim and was eager to make an impression.
However, his night quickly unraveled as he was involved in Jaden Philogene’s bizarre fourth-minute opener before being sent off in a disastrous first half for the Danish defender.
United had managed to claw their way back into the game when Dorgu’s rash challenge on Omari Hutchinson in the 43rd minute left the Ipswich winger in agony on the Old Trafford turf.
Referee Darren England, after consulting VAR, showed no hesitation in producing the red card, leaving the hosts to battle on with ten men for the remainder of the contest.
Before Dorgu’s dismissal, Matthijs de Ligt had found the net after Ipswich captain Sam Morsy inadvertently directed the ball into his own goal.
But just minutes after United were reduced to ten men, Philogene struck again to level the score before Harry Maguire restored the lead with a powerful header at the start of the second half, securing all three points for Amorim’s side.
With his suspension, Dorgu will be absent from United’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, as well as crucial Premier League fixtures against Arsenal at Old Trafford and Leicester City away.
However, he remains eligible for both legs of United’s Champions League round of 16 showdown with Real Sociedad.
The young defender will be available for Premier League action once again on April 1, when United take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Dorgu’s absence could prompt Amorim to deploy Diogo Dalot on the left flank, potentially creating an opportunity for Noussair Mazraoui to step in at right-back.
