The centre-back was imperious in both penalty areas and snatched the winner despite Ruben Amorim's side playing the second half with 10 men
Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes bailed out their atrocious team-mates to earn Manchester United a 3-2 win over Ipswich Town on Wednesday to end all serious talk of relegation around Old Trafford. But doubts about the team and, in particular, certain individuals aren't going anywhere after abysmal errors from Andre Onana and Patrick Dorgu, who was sent off in the first half.
United had not lost at home to Ipswich since 1984 – also the last time they were beaten at Old Trafford after leading at half-time – but they did everything in their power to throw this one away. The game was less than 40 seconds old when Liam Delap got through on goal and whistled a shot past the far post, and only four minutes were on the clock when they fell behind to a self-inflicted goal worthy of displaying in a Hall of Shame. Dorgu received a high ball with Jaden Philogene on his tail, but had plenty of options. Instead, he decided to ignore Onana running towards him and poked the ball past his goalkeeper and into the path of a hugely grateful Philogene, who walked the ball into the net.
It was the 21st time United had conceded the first goal this season in 41 games, and for a period the entire team looked as if they were infected by the blunder. It took some expert set-piece deliveries from Fernandes to bring them back to life as the Portuguese's free-kick was headed into his own goal by Ipswich captain Sam Morsy midway through the first half. Four minutes later, the Red Devils got their noses in front following a Fernandes corner, Matthijs de Ligt striking third time lucky after Maguire and Diogo Dalot had been denied by Ipswich 'keeper Alex Palmer.
But there's no such thing as a quiet and relaxing game at Old Trafford these days and United shot themselves in the foot twice more before half-time. Dorgu earned a straight red card after a VAR review for his rash foul on Omari Hutchinson, and minutes later Onana made his second gaffe when he was fooled by Philogene's low cross, which seemed aimed for Delap but curled straight into the bottom corner.
United, however, showed that they have some team spirit after all and early in the second half Maguire met a Fernandes corner and restored the hosts lead. It was backs against the wall stuff from then on, but the Red Devils dug their heels in to collect their first home win in the league in more than a month.
GOAL rates United's players from Old Trafford…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (2/10):
Had no communication with Dorgu for the opener after charging out and was completely flummoxed by the presence of Delap for the second. Quite simply, a United 'keeper cannot afford to make the amount of errors he is making.
Matthijs de Ligt (6/10):
The pin-ball wizard for the second goal but still suspect at the back, losing track of Delap for Ipswich's second goal.
Harry Maguire (9/10):
The perfect response to his woeful display at Goodison Park. Knocked away practically all of Ipswich's aerial balls and was United's biggest threat down the other end. His mere presence helped lead to the equaliser, he sparking the danger for the second goal and then scored the third.
Leny Yoro (6/10):
Demonstrated his knack for progressing the ball and had one great foray into the area, although still needs to master the art of defending.
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Diogo Dalot (5/10):
Made some poor decisions, although he kept the faith in attack and set up De Ligt's goal.
Manuel Ugarte (5/10):
Couldn't impose himself on the game and his passing was again questionable.
Bruno Fernandes (8/10):
His brilliant deliveries played a part in all three goals – it is scary to think where United would be without him.
Patrick Dorgu (1/10):
The performance from Hell! Showed a shocking lack of awareness to gift Philogene his first and looked determined to make amends. Had some good passages of play, but then made the horror challenge which ended his night, earned him a three-game ban and landed his team in huge trouble.
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Joshua Zirkzee (5/10):
Charged around the pitch a lot and had some nice touches, although couldn't turn them into genuine chances.
Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):
The goal-drought extends to 17 games with another non-display. Infuriated fans by running over a cross from Yoro that he could have hit. Hooked in the 67th minute, should have come off earlier.
Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):
His usual tenacious but flawed self, creating danger but then taking too long to shoot or pass. Still, it felt unwise to sacrifice him at half-time after Dorgu's sending off.
Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):
Helped steady the ship despite being a man down. Also showed solidarity to Ugarte by throwing Delap to the floor after he had pushed the Uruguayan.
Casemiro (5/10):
Did what was needed to see out the win.
Victor Lindelof (N/A):
Brought on in added time to run the clock down.
Christian Eriksen (N/A):
On in stoppage-time.
Ruben Amorim (6/10):
Will have been shocked by the errors he witnessed. It is to his credit that his team managed to go ahead again after the red card and hold on.