Manchester United's Harry Maguire has received an additional one-match ban for misconduct, resulting in his absence from the upcoming Chelsea game. An independent regulatory commission imposed the ban on April 1, citing Maguire's improper behavior towards fourth official Matt Donohue after his red card against Bournemouth on March 20. Maguire had reacted to being sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity and will now miss the trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
He has admitted to the offense and has been fined £30,000. The FA's written reasons stated that Maguire allegedly said, 'You're a joke, you're all a f****** joke,' as he left the field, although Maguire claimed he did not insult the official. Maguire will join Lisandro Martinez on the sidelines, as the Argentina centre-back was also sent off for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair during the defeat to Leeds.
With both Maguire and Martinez suspended, and Matthijs de Ligt still injured, United's centre-back options are limited. Analysis suggests that Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are the only natural centre-backs available, but both have shown inexperience this season. Luke Shaw could be a more experienced option, but the physical challenge of Joao Pedro may lead to a more conventional choice. Other possibilities include Casemiro playing centre-back or delving into the youth ranks, with eighteen-year-old Godwill Kukonki being a potential option.