Manchester United had to wait over three weeks for a verdict on Harry Maguire’s suspension and whether he would face an extension, but now the decision has arrived.
On Wednesday, 25 days after Manchester United drew with Bournemouth, there was finally clarity over Harry Maguire’s red card suspension.
Maguire has received an additional one-game ban for swearing at the referee in the draw, which rules him out of United’s visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday night.
This, alongside Lisandro Martinez being suspended for a controversial hair pull, means United’s centre-back department is suddenly threadbare for this must-win clash.
But it may end up being a blessing in disguise for United and Ineos.
Harry Maguire has been given an extra game ban vs Chelsea due to misconduct – Let us know your thoughts….
With Martinez suspended too, it means Yoro and Heaven are expected to start…
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LENY YORO and Ayden Heaven train for Manchester United
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Harry Maguire’s blow gives Manchester United a chance to see the future
Maguire’s absence leaves United short on options, but it shouldn’t be fatal considering Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro are more than ready to step up.
Before signing his new deal, Ineos were holding off because of Heaven and Yoro, as the club wanted the young pair to play more football together to begin growing into their roles.
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Yoro has been solid for United in recent months, and now Heaven is set for his big chance against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, having played a bafflingly small amount since Michael Carrick arrived.
This means it is finally time for United to place trust in the future, and with Heaven and Yoro, it should be relatively secure, as both have proven themselves individually ready, but now they must combine.
At 19 and 20, they are so young for defenders, but already have massive quality, and on paper, they have qualities that suit each other.
Heaven and Yoro have yet to play in a back four together, but they are likely to step up to the challenge, on the left and right, respectively.
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Heaven and Yoro have an excellent off-the-pitch relationship
Despite not playing as a pairing before, Heaven and Yoro are close off the pitch, even spending a prolonged break this season on holiday together, training.
So they know each other very well and shouldn’t have any difficulty bringing that onto the pitch.
If Heaven and Yoro can keep Chelsea at bay, the position in the starting line-up is surely theirs to lose, and United could see the young duo never look back.
In particular, Heaven needs to prove his worth because he needs to be playing a lot more going forward.
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