Why is Harry Maguire suspended vs. Chelsea? What Man United defender said to earn ban, fine from FA

Why is Harry Maguire suspended vs. Chelsea? What Man United defender said to earn ban, fine from FA originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Manchester United face Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday in a game that could have big implications in the race for the Champions League places.

Michael Carrick lost his first home game as United interim manager on Monday as Leeds United claimed an impressive 2-1 victory at Old Trafford to give themselves a huge boost in their battle against relegation.

That surprise defeat means United head into this latest round of matches in third place in the standings but level on points with Aston Villa. Liverpool, who occupy the fifth and final Champions League spot, are only three points back, with Chelsea in sixth a further four points adrift.

It makes this meeting at Stamford Bridge a potentially significant one and, in a big blow to United, they will be without Harry Maguire even though he has now served a ban for a red card received against Bournemouth.

The Sporting News explains the situation below.

MORE:Latest injury picture for Man United

Why is Harry Maguire suspended vs. Chelsea?

Maguire is banned for the Chelsea game because of a misconduct charge issued by the FA.

The defender was alleged to have "acted in an improper manner and/or abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the fourth official" after being shown a red card in United's 2-2 draw with Bournemouth last month.

Maguire was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity and served a one-match ban typical of such an offence this week, missing the hugely disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Leeds United on Monday.

However, with his misconduct charge upheld, he is facing another ban of at least one game. That means he will be forced to sit out Saturday's match at Stamford Bridge.

What did Harry Maguire say to earn FA ban, fine?

The FA issued Maguire a one-game ban and £30,000 for what he said to the fourth official at Bournemouth after his red card.

In its written reason for the punishment, the governing body said Maguire approached Matt Donohue as he left the field and said: "You're a joke. You're all a f------ joke."

Maguire admitted to a charge of acting "in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the fourth official", according to the FA.

A two-game ban and £45,000 fine had been suggested by the FA's regulatory commission, but taking into account his general disciplinary record and the fact he promptly issued an "acknowledgement of his wrongdoing and his apology", it was decided that a one-game suspension and lower fine would be appropriate.

Who will play at centre-back for Man United at Chelsea?

Maguire's impending suspension leaves United looking very light in the centre of defence for this weekend.

Lisandro Martinez will also serve a ban after being sent off against Leeds for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair. Carrick suggested United would appeal against the decision, but it seems likely they will be unsuccessful.

With Matthijs de Ligt still not yet recovered from a back injury sustained last November, United's options at centre-back are limited. Leny Yoro will most likely partner teenager Ayden Heaven, unless Carrick decides to move Luke Shaw in from left-back and deploy Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot in the full-back positions.

Yoro and Heaven last started together as part of a back three in the 1-1 draw at Leeds in January, which proved to be Ruben Amorim's final match as head coach.

When are Maguire and Martinez back for Man United?

If Maguire's additional ban for misconduct is just for one game, he will be available for the match at home to Brentford on April 27.

Martinez is facing longer out. A red card for violent conduct typically carries a three-game ban, and if United's appeal is not successful, he must sit out the games against Chelsea, Brentford, and Liverpool. He would then be eligible to return in the away match at Sunderland on May 9.