Manchester United's Harry Maguire has been handed an additional one-match ban for misconduct, ruling him out of the upcoming trip to Chelsea. An independent regulatory commission charged Maguire on April 1 for using improper language towards fourth official Matt Donohue after his red card against Bournemouth on March 20. Maguire had 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.
He admitted to the offence and was fined £30,000. The FA's written reasons stated that Donohue claimed Maguire insulted him, while Maguire claimed he only said 'it is a joke'. With Maguire and Lisandro Martinez both suspended, Manchester United's centre-back options are limited for the Chelsea match. Analysis suggests that United may have to rely on inexperienced centre-backs or consider alternative options, including delving into their youth ranks.