Manchester United's Harry Maguire has been handed an additional one-match ban for misconduct, which will force him to miss the upcoming trip to Chelsea. The ban stems from an incident on April 1, where Maguire was charged by an independent regulatory commission for behaving in an "improper manner" towards fourth official Matt Donohue after receiving a red card in the match against Bournemouth on March 20.
During the incident, Maguire swore at Donohue after being sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity when he pushed Bournemouth forward Evanilson. Eli Junior Kroupi later scored from the spot to equalize in added time. Maguire had 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.
He admitted to the offense and was 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.
However, Maguire claimed he did not insult the fourth official but said something along the lines of "it is a f****** joke." The FA stated on April 1, "It is alleged that the defender acted in an improper manner and/or abusive and/or insulting words and/or behavior towards the fourth official following his dismissal." United will be without both Maguire and Lisandro Martinez against Chelsea, as Martinez was sent off for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair during the Leeds match. 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. The only natural center-backs available are Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, but both have shown inexperience this season.
Luke Shaw could be a more experienced option, but the physical challenge of Joao Pedro may lead Carrick to consider a more conventional choice. Casemiro has played center-back in the past, but restricting midfield options further seems unlikely. A possible solution could be to delve into the deep youth ranks, with 18-year-old Godwill Kukonki being a potential option.