Manchester United's Harry Maguire has received an additional one-match ban for misconduct and will miss the upcoming trip to Chelsea. An independent regulatory commission handed down the suspension on April 1, following Maguire's improper conduct towards fourth official Matt Donohue after being sent off in a match against Bournemouth on March 20.
Maguire had been reacting to his red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity when he pushed Evanilson, leading to a penalty kick that resulted in an equalizing goal. He has already served a suspension for the red card, missing the 2-1 loss 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 used insulting language as he left the field, although Maguire claimed he did not insult the official directly.
Manchester United will be without both Maguire and Lisandro Martinez for the Chelsea match, as Martinez was also sent off for a hair-pulling incident during the Leeds match. The team's center-back options are now limited, with Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven being the only natural center-backs available. Luke Shaw could be a possible option, but the physical challenge of facing Joao Pedro may lead to the consideration of other alternatives.
Casemiro has played center-back in the past, but restricting midfield options may not be ideal. The team may also consider delving into their youth ranks, with 18-year-old Godwill Kukonki being a potential option.