Manchester United's Harry Maguire has received an additional one-game suspension for misconduct, resulting in his absence from the upcoming match against Chelsea. The England defender was charged by an independent regulatory commission on April 1 for behaving in an "improper manner" towards fourth official Matt Donohue after being given a red card in the match against Bournemouth on March 20. Maguire's reaction came after he was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity when he pushed Evanilson, and Eli Junior Kroupi subsequently scored the equalizing goal from the penalty spot in added time.
Having already served a suspension for the red card and missing the 2-1 loss to Leeds, Maguire will now miss the trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday due to the additional ban. The 33-year-old admitted to the offense and was also fined £30,000. According to the FA's written reasons, Donohue claimed Maguire said, "You're a joke, you're all a f****** joke," as he left the field, although Maguire claimed he did not insult the official but said something similar to "it is a f****** joke." A statement from the FA on April 1 read: "It is alleged that the defender acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behavior towards the fourth official following his dismissal." Manchester United will now be without both Maguire and Lisandro Martinez against Chelsea, as the Argentina center-back was also sent off for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair during the defeat to Leeds. Analysis by Fergus Stevenson: Harry Maguire's suspension for the Chelsea game has left Manchester United with limited center-back options.
Lisandro Martinez is also banned, and Matthijs de Ligt is still recovering from a back injury that has kept him out since November. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are United's only natural center-backs, but they have shown inexperience, particularly Yoro in the defeat at Old Trafford on Monday.
Luke Shaw could be a more reliable option, but the physical challenge posed by Joao Pedro might lead Carrick to choose a more conventional option. Casemiro has played center-back when the squad was stretched under Erik ten Hag, but it seems unlikely that Carrick would further limit his side's midfield options, especially with Kobbie Mainoo's involvement uncertain.
A possible solution could be to utilize the deep youth ranks, with 18-year-old Godwill Kukonki being a potential option, having featured in several matchday squads under Ruben Amorim. Carrick may be swayed to make this decision due to the impressive performances of young center-backs in recent seasons, such as Willy Kambwala in a 2-2 draw against Liverpool in April 2024.
This presents a tough dilemma for the United boss as he seeks to bounce back from his first home defeat in charge. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £250k! Enter for free.