The latest Manchester United news as Manuel Ugarte remains two yellow cards away from being handed a ban in the Premier League.
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Manuel Ugarte during United training.
Manuel Ugarte has eight yellow cards for Manchester United in the Premier League this season.
(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images.)
Manchester United could be handed a lifeline as one of their star players walks a disciplinary tightrope.
United returned to Premier League action in midweek where they were beaten 1-0 by Nottingham Forest in their first fixture after the March international break. The defeat leaves Ruben Amorim's squad in 13th place in the table as they now look ahead to the derby against Manchester City at the weekend.
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Manuel Ugarte has become a key player for United this campaign since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain last summer. The Uruguay international started for United in the defeat to Forest, before being replaced by Rasmus Hojlund at half-time.
Ugarte avoided picking up a yellow card in the defeat at the City Ground, but he still has eight to his name across the Premier League this season. Two more bookings for the midfielder would see him be handed a two-game ban in the top-flight - but a cut-off is looming.
Rules state that players who pick up 10 yellow cards across a side's first 32 league fixtures will serve a two-match suspension. With Ugarte having eight to his name - and with United having played 30 fixtures already - avoiding a booking against City would see Ugarte also escape a ban from yellow cards.
It would still be possible, though, for Ugarte to serve a ban if he gets a red card across United's final eight fixtures. The midfielder served a one-match suspension back in December after he amassed five yellow cards before the 19-game threshold.
If Ugarte does get a ban over the next few games, it could hand a major selection blow to Amorim in midfield. Kobbie Mainoo is still side-lined with an injury, meaning his absence combined with Ugarte's suspension would leave United without two of his first-choice midfield options.
After facing City in the Manchester derby, United will take on Newcastle at St James' Park in their next Premier League fixture. The trip to Tyneside will come after taking on Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final showdown, which their season rests on.
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