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Manchester United handed defensive concern ahead of derby vs Man City

Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire is one yellow card away from suspension

Manchester United could be without Harry Maguire for the derby with Manchester City later this month.

The centre back, who returned to the side in the midweek defeat at Arsenal, is now just one yellow card away from a ban. He was booked at the Emirates Stadium, his fourth of the season, and should he be cautioned in the home game against Nottingham Forest this weekend then he will miss the derby.

Ruben Amorim was without Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo against the Gunners after they both picked up five bookings. The pair will return to the fold against Forest.

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Maguire is the only United player currently on four yellow cards although Diogo Dalot has three. Players who collect five Premier League yellow cards in the first half of the season — the first 19 games — will be given a one-match suspension that must be served in the league. United have so far played 14 games.

Should Maguire miss out it would be another defensive absentee to join the injured Luke Shaw who suffered a setback this week to his recovery. But Leny Yoro is now fit and made his senior debut off the bench at Arsenal while Martinez, Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui mean Amorim has plenty of defensive options even allowing for his favoured three at the back system.

United visit City on Sunday, December 16, with kick off at 4.30pm at the Etihad. United beat City in the FA Cup final in May, but have one just one of the last six league meetings between the pair.

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