Harry Maguire: Man United star learns fate of appeal ahead of Chelsea clash | OneFootball

Manchester United will be without Harry Maguire for this weekend’s clash against Chelsea in a major blow for the Red Devils, according to a new report.

The 33-year-old defender was sent off in controversial fashion in a frantic end to the 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth last month. He gave away a penalty in the dying moments at the Vitality Stadium, which earned him a red card and rescued a point for the Cherries.

Maguire was then accused of swearing at fourth official Matt Donohue as he was leaving the pitch, leading the Football Association (FA) to charge him with misconduct.

Appeal falls on deaf ears

United had hoped he would be available for the trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening after an appeal was launched to overturn the charge, given he had already missed Monday’s clash with Leeds as part of the normal suspension from a red card for non-violent conduct.

However, Laurie Whitwell (The Athletic) reveals the FA are set “set to be upheld” the charge, and United will face their rivals for a Champions League spot without the experienced defender.

Tweet: “EXCL: Harry Maguire getting a one-game ban as FA uphold charge of misconduct. Means Maguire misses Chelsea trip. #MUFC appealing Lisandro Martinez red card but sense is unlikely to be overturned. Could be a CB partnership at Chelsea combined age 39.”

To make matters worse, Lisandro Martinez is also set to miss the crunch match in west London after picking up his own hotly debated red card in the dismal 1-2 loss to Leeds. The 28-year-old Argentine was given his marching orders after a VAR review ruled he had pulled Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair while challenging for the ball.

Forced to rely on youth

It sparked a major debate on Monday night as interim boss Michael Carrick contested the decision in his post-match interview, with the club then deciding to also appeal the decision alongside Maguire’s.

However, Whitwell believes this is also “unlikely to be overturned”, raising the uncomfortable prospect of Carrick being forced to field a youthful centre-back partnership of Leny Yoro (20) and Ayden Heaven (19).

A win for the Red Devils this weekend would put them 10 points clear of Chelsea in the hunt for Champions League qualification, with a better goal difference. However, their lead will be cut to just four points should the Blues emerge victorious on Saturday night.

Given Yoro and Heaven’s struggles when deputising for their more experienced teammates in recent months, this triple blow of absences – Matthijs de Ligt continues to be ruled out with a long-term back injury – could not come at a worse point in the season for United.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

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