Manchester United battled to a crucial 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on Wednesday night despite playing with 10 men for the entire second half.
Harry Maguire's header shortly after the break proved decisive in a chaotic encounter that saw Patrick Dorgu sent off before half-time.
The hard-fought win lifts Ruben Amorim's struggling side to 14th in the Premier League table, easing relegation concerns that had been mounting during a difficult season.
Old Trafford roared as United secured just their fifth league win under Amorim.
Harry Maguire scored the winner from a corner for United
Reuters
United endured a nightmare start when a mix-up between January signing Patrick Dorgu and goalkeeper Andre Onana gifted Jaden Philogene a simple tap-in after just four minutes.
The hosts responded well and turned the match around through two set-pieces delivered by Bruno Fernandes.
Sam Morsy inadvertently headed into his own net from a Fernandes free-kick to level the scores after 22 minutes.
Just four minutes later, Matthijs de Ligt smashed home United's second after another Fernandes corner caused havoc in the Ipswich penalty area.
United's momentum was halted when Dorgu's night went from bad to worse two minutes before the break.
The defender was shown a straight red card after VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Omari Hutchinson that could have caused serious injury.
Ipswich immediately capitalised on their numerical advantage as Philogene scored his second goal in first-half stoppage time.
His cross from the right somehow evaded everyone, including a hesitant Onana, and bounced into the net to make it 2-2.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, United regained the lead shortly after half-time through Harry Maguire.
The defender ghosted in unmarked at the penalty spot to meet another Bruno Fernandes corner.
Maguire stooped to nod the ball past Alex Palmer, scoring what proved to be the decisive goal.
It was the third set-piece that Amorim's side had converted on the evening and ultimately secured a priceless victory.
Patrick Dorgu was sent off for a horror challenge on Omari Hutchinson
Reuters
United then showed impressive resilience to protect their slender advantage for the remainder of the match.
Bruno Fernandes proved his worth with a masterclass in set-piece delivery, providing all three assists for United's goals.
The Portuguese playmaker's wicked cross led to Morsy's own goal before his corner eventually found De Ligt for the second.
Fernandes completed his hat-trick of assists by teeing up Maguire's winner from another corner after the interval.
It marked the sixth consecutive goal United had scored from a Fernandes set piece.
His contribution highlighted how crucial the captain remains to United's fortunes.
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Matthijs de Ligt was also on the scoresheet as United's set-pieces proved pivotal
Reuters
The victory moves United up to 14th in the Premier League standings, 16 points clear of the relegation zone.
Ipswich Town, meanwhile, remain in 18th position, five points adrift of safety.
The Tractor Boys have collected just a solitary point in 2025, with this defeat further denting their survival hopes.
United's doughty spirit, even when reduced to 10 men, proved decisive on a night that began in incessant rain.
Amorim's side will now turn their attention to Sunday's FA Cup fifth-round visit from Fulham.
