Maguire to Serve Additional One-Game Suspension Against Chelsea

Manchester United's Harry Maguire will be absent from the upcoming match against Chelsea due to an additional one-match ban imposed for misconduct. An independent regulatory commission charged Maguire with acting in an improper manner after he swore at the fourth official, Matt Donohue, following his red card in the match against Bournemouth on March 20. Maguire had reacted to being sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity when he pushed forward Evanilson, leading to a penalty that resulted in an equalizing goal. He has already served a suspension for the red card, missing the 2-1 defeat to Leeds, and will now miss the Chelsea match due to the additional ban. Maguire admitted to the offense and was fined £30,000. According to the FA's written reasons, Donohue claimed Maguire insulted him, saying, 'You're a joke, you're all a f****** joke,' as he left the field, although Maguire claimed he did not insult the official directly but said something similar. The FA stated that Maguire allegedly acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behavior towards the fourth official after his dismissal. With Maguire and Lisandro Martinez both suspended, Manchester United's center-back options are limited ahead of the Chelsea match. Analysis suggests that United may have to rely on inexperienced players or consider unconventional options to fill the gap.