Manchester United defender Harry Maguire to miss Chelsea trip after being handed additional one-match ban following red card at Bournemouth

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Harry Maguire will miss Manchester United's visit to Chelsea this weekend after the centre-back received an additional one-match ban following comments made after his red card at Bournemouth.

‘An amazing football brain’ – Maguire not surprised by Carrick success

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Maguire, who already sat out United's 2-1 home Premier League defeat by Leeds United on Monday following his sending off at the Vitality Stadium last month, was charged with improper conduct by the Football Association for his reaction to fourth official Matt Donohue as he left the pitch.

During a dramatic climax on the south coast, Maguire reacted angrily to being sent off for the denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity when he was judged to have fouled Bournemouth forward Evanilson by referee Stuart Attwell. Eli Junior Kroupi struck from the penalty spot to make it 2-2 in added time.

The 33-year-old will be absent once again when United look to return to winning ways at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night against Chelsea - live on TNT Sports and HBO Max, kick-off 8pm.

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In a statement, the FA concluded that Maguire "acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the fourth official."

The charge stems from events as he left the field during the game on March 20, with fourth official Donohue detailing in the written reasons that Maguire approached him and shouted: "You’re a joke. You’re all a ******* joke."

Maguire, however, has disputed that account. In his written submission, he maintained that his remarks were not directed at any individual official.

Maguire has been a big part of Man Utd's improvement this year

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"As I left the field of play following my dismissal, I said something along the lines of 'it is a ******** joke,'" he explained. "I am certain that I did not call the fourth official or any match official a joke, or use any other form of insult."

The case hinged on the interpretation of those moments, with the FA determining that Maguire's conduct crossed the line into improper behaviour, with the additional punishment also including a £30,000 fine.

Michael Carrick is facing the first real test of his tenure as interim head coach, with the surprise reverse against Leeds also highlighting a possible defensive crisis which has not been exacerbated by Maguire's continued absence.

Lisandro Martinez is set to start his three-match suspension after he was sent off for violent conduct against Leeds following a hair-pull on striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Lisandro Martinez will also be missing for the Chelsea trip

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It means that Carrick may have to call upon academy graduate Ayden Heaven alongside Leny Yoro for the trip to west London. Matthijs de Ligt has been sidelined with a back injury since November.

Casemiro previously played at centre-back under Erik ten Hag but, given Kobbie Mainoo's involvement is far from certain after he missed the Leeds defeat, it is unlikely that Carrick would limit his midfield options further by dropping the Brazilian back into defence.

Since returning from a hamstring injury, Maguire has played a vital role in United's resurgence under Carrick.

He became an ever-present in the Premier League after starting in the derby victory over Manchester City on January 11, winning seven and drawing two of 10 matches prior to his absence against Leeds.

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