Maguire to miss Chelsea clash after FA imposes additional one-match ban

Harry Maguire will miss Manchester United’s Premier League trip to Chelsea after being handed an additional one-match suspension by The Football Association for his conduct following a recent dismissal.

The 33-year-old defender was shown a straight red card during United’s 2–2 draw against AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium last month, having conceded a penalty with a foul on Evanilson. Junior Kroupi converted the resulting spot-kick to secure a point for the hosts.

Maguire subsequently missed United’s 2–1 defeat to Leeds United and will now also be unavailable for Saturday’s fixture at Stamford Bridge following further disciplinary action.

In a statement, the FA confirmed the additional sanction, citing Maguire’s behaviour after his sending-off.

“It was alleged that Harry Maguire acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the fourth official following his dismissal. The defender subsequently admitted the charge.”

The FA added that Maguire acknowledged his actions were inappropriate and issued an apology. While a two-match ban and £45,000 fine had been considered, mitigating factors led to a reduced sanction of a one-match suspension and a £30,000 fine.

United’s defensive concerns are compounded by the absence of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez. De Ligt has been sidelined since November with a back injury, while Martínez is serving a three-match suspension following his red card against Leeds.

The Argentine was dismissed after pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair, with VAR official Daniel Robathan advising referee Paul Tierney to review the incident.

Head coach Michael Carrick criticised the decision, describing it as “one of the worst I’ve seen”, with reports suggesting the club have lodged an appeal.

With several senior defenders unavailable, United may be forced to field a youthful central pairing, with Ayden Heaven, 19, and Leny Yoro, 20, potential starters.

Manchester United currently sit third in the Premier League table, seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea ahead of the weekend encounter.