Manchester United's Harry Maguire has been issued an additional one-match ban for misconduct, resulting in his absence from the upcoming Chelsea game. Maguire was charged by an independent regulatory commission on April 1 for behaving in an "improper manner" towards fourth official Matt Donohue after receiving a red card against Bournemouth on March 20. The incident occurred when Maguire pushed Bournemouth's Evanilson, denying a goalscoring opportunity, and was subsequently sent off.
He then swore at Donohue as he left the field. The England international had already served a suspension for the red card, missing the 2-1 defeat to Leeds, and will now miss the Chelsea game 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 disputed this, stating he said "something along the lines of 'it is a f****** joke'". Manchester United will now be without both Maguire and Lisandro Martinez for the Chelsea game, as Martinez was sent off for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair during the Leeds defeat. Analysis by Fergus Stevenson suggests that Manchester United's center-back options are limited, with Lisandro Martinez banned and Matthijs de Ligt injured. Possible alternatives include Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, and Luke Shaw, although each has their drawbacks.
A more unconventional option might be to utilize a youth player, such as 18-year-old Godwill Kukonki, who has previously been included in matchday squads.