“That’s what I like to see” - Rio Ferdinand makes feelings clear on Manchester United star Manuel Ugarte head-butting Kai Havertz 

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has reacted to Manuel Ugarte's head butt against Kai Havertz in their FA Cup clash against Arsenal. The two sides faced off the Emirates in the third round of the competition on Sunday, January 12.

In the 69th minute, referee Andy Madley decided to give Arsenal a penalty after Kai Havertz went down in the box near Harry Maguire. However, Maguire was furious with the decision as he believed that the German attacker dived. Tempers flared between the teams as Havertz grabbed Manuel Ugarte's throat but wasn't punished for it. The Manchester United man head-butted the German in the process.

Altay Bayindir saved the resulting penalty from Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard. Manchester United eventually won 5-3 in the penalty shootout after it remained 1-1 after extra time.

After the game, Manuel Ugarte wrote on his social media:

“When we have the ball, it’s a game and when we don’t, it’s a fight. Let’s keep it going always together.”

Rio Ferdinand reacted to the midfielder's comments and said (via TBR Football):

“Fans, they buy into that. I think that’s one part of his game that you can’t question, his fight, his desire. We heard about his ability to win the ball, and be combative when he plays. He’s showing that now.”

When asked about the head butt from Ugarte, Ferdinand said:

“Good. That’s passion. That’s what I like to see… within the rules of the game.”

Ugarte joined Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last summer and has made 23 appearances across competitions for them, providing one assist.

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Arsenal and Manchester United prepare for Premier League return after eventful cup action

Arsenal hosted Newcastle United at the Emirates in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg on January 7 but ended up losing 2-0. They then hosted Manchester United in the FA Cup third round on Sunday and it was an enthralling affair. After a goalless first half, Bruno Fernandes scored in the 52nd minute. Diogo Dalot was sent off in the 61st minute and Gabriel Magalhaes equalised two minutes later.

Both sides created a few good chances but were unable to convert them as it remained 1-1 after extra time. The Red Devils eventually won 5-3 as Altay Bayindir saved Kai Havertz's penalty. It marked three consecutive games without a win for Arsenal.

The north London side will next host arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby in the Premier League on Wednesday, January 15. United, meanwhile, will host Southampton on Thursday. While the Gunners are second in the league standings, the Red Devils are 13th.