Manchester United's Harry Maguire has received an additional one-game suspension for misconduct, ruling him out of the upcoming match against Chelsea. The decision was made by an independent regulatory commission, which charged Maguire for behaving in an "improper manner" towards fourth official Matt Donohue after being given a red card during the match against Bournemouth on March 20.
Maguire's reaction came after he was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity when he pushed Bournemouth's Evanilson. The England international has already served a suspension for the red card, missing the 2-1 loss to Leeds, and will now miss the trip to Stamford Bridge due to the additional ban. Maguire 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 fourth official but said "something along the lines of 'it is a f****** joke'." The FA's statement on April 1 read: "It is alleged that the defender acted in an improper manner and/or abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the fourth official following his dismissal." Manchester United will be without both Maguire and Lisandro Martinez against Chelsea, as Martinez 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 centre-back options. Lisandro Martinez is also banned, and Matthijs de Ligt is still injured. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are United's only natural centre-backs, but both have shown inexperience this season.
Luke Shaw could be a more reliable option, but the physical challenge of Joao Pedro may lead Carrick to consider other choices. Casemiro has played centre-back in the past, but restricting midfield options further seems unlikely. A possible solution could be to bring in young centre-back Godwill Kukonki from the youth ranks, given his previous involvement in matchday squads under Ruben Amorim.