Harry Maguire will miss Manchester United’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea after receiving an extra one-match suspension. The defender already sat out one game for a red card against Bournemouth, and the Football Association has now extended the ban, ruling Maguire out of the high-profile Old Trafford clash.
Maguire was dismissed during Manchester United’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on March 20 at the Vitality Stadium. The centre-back conceded a penalty for pulling back Evanilson. It was Maguire’s 286th Premier League appearance, and the third red card of Maguire’s league career, and Maguire’s first sending-off since November 2021 against Watford.
The Football Association later charged the England international with improper conduct for words directed towards fourth official Matt Donohue while leaving the pitch. Maguire served the first match of the suspension on Monday, when Manchester United lost to Leeds United, suffering a first league defeat to the Yorkshire club since November 2002, and Lisandro Martinez was also dismissed for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair.
Manchester United’s discipline has come under focus, as only Chelsea, with nine dismissals, have more Premier League red cards than Manchester United’s six since the start of last season. Michael Carrick currently has only Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven fit at centre-back, with Matthijs de Ligt still sidelined by a back injury sustained in November.
Maguire’s absence against Chelsea leaves Manchester United short of options for a key Premier League fixture. Carrick must again adjust the defensive line, with recent red cards and injuries limiting selection. The situation adds further pressure on Manchester United’s back line at an important stage of the campaign.