Harry Maguire will miss Manchester United’s Premier League trip to Chelsea after the Football Association upheld a misconduct charge for swearing at fourth official Matt Donohue.
The defender had already sat out Monday’s defeat to Leeds United after being sent off against Bournemouth. The additional suspension leaves Manchester United short of experience at the back before Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge.
The FA’s charge 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.”
United could also be without Lisandro Martínez, who faces a three-match ban after his red card against Leeds. That leaves teenage defenders Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven in line to start a match that may shape the club’s Champions League hopes.
Without Maguire, United struggled to deal with Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the Leeds defeat. He forced an error from Yoro for the opening goal and later won the foul that led to Martínez’s dismissal.
Injury concerns have compounded the selection headache, with Matthijs de Ligt still sidelined since November. United have yet to win any of the three matches Yoro and Heaven have started together, conceding seven goals against Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Leeds under former boss Ruben Amorim.
Manager Michael Carrick said: “That’s why we have a squad. We have got players that we can call upon. We will go there and look forward to the game.
“Hopefully Licha [Martinez] is still available. I certainly think he should be after that [red card], but we will see.”
Carrick also hopes Kobbie Mainoo will not be out for long after missing the Leeds defeat.
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