Manchester United will be without Harry Maguire for their clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The two sides will face off in a crucial Premier League clash on Saturday, April 18.
The Football Association (FA) has handed Maguire an additional one-game ban for allegedly swearing at fourth official Matt Donohue (h/t The Athletic). This happened after the defender was sent off by referee Stuart Atwell against Bournemouth on March 21. He was deemed to have denied Evanilson a clear goalscoring opportunity in the 78th minute, as the game ended 2-2.
In their initial statement, FA wrote:
“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.”
Maguire served his suspension for the red card in Manchester United's 2-1 defeat against Leeds United at home on Monday. He is now suspended for the game against Chelsea on Saturday.
Maguire has been a key player for the Red Devils, especially under Michael Carrick. He has made 20 appearances across competitions this season and also recorded two goals and one assist.
His absence comes as a big blow for Manchester United, who will also be without Lisandro Martinez against Chelsea. The Argentine centre-back was sent off against Leeds after being deemed to have pulled Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair.
Chelsea star Alejandro Garnacho on if he has any regrets with Manchester United
Alejandro Garnacho came through Manchester United's academy and made 144 senior appearances, recording 26 goals and 22 assists. However, he had a falling out with Ruben Amorim and eventually joined Chelsea for £40 million last summer.
Ahead of their Premier League clash, Garnacho opened up about his time at Old Trafford and said (h/t GOAL):
"Maybe yes, because I loved that club. They gave me the confidence from the start. From Spain, to bring me to the academy, then they bring me to the first team. So it was like four or five years, and amazing love from everyone."
"I remember in the last six months I was just not playing like before at Manchester United. I started to be on the bench, it's not a bad thing. I was only 20-years old, but in my mind it was like I had to play every game. In my mind, maybe it is also on me, I started to do some bad things," he added.
Garnacho added that he has "nothing wrong to say" about the Red Devils. He has made 38 appearances for Chelsea, scoring eight goals and providing four assists.