Maguire’s recklessness could cost United dearly
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 15.04.26. | 21:20
The Red Devils will have to face Chelsea with two under 20 defenders in the starting lineup
“I still believe, even at my age, I’m arguably one of the best defenders in the world in both boxes. I don’t think that’s open to question, really” said Harry Maguire recently for The Athletic. The 33-year old defender obviously has a lot of self-confidence as he had no problem giving a statement like this. Maguire recently extended his contract with the Red Devils, but will have to wait to play again for the club – due to his recklessness. Usually, the captain (or vice-captain), especially when they are deep in their thirties are the ones with lots of experience, but that doesn’t apply to Maguire, even though he thinks that he is one of the best.
An experienced defender doesn’t want to argue with a referee or to ‘rise’ the temperature on the field. Instead, he is trying to calm things down and get the best out of his teammates. Well, Maguire did totally the opposite during the Bournemouth game, which United drew 2-2, and got the red card. The FA's charge against Maguire, released earlier this month, said: 'It is alleged that the defender acted in an improper manner and/or abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the fourth official following his dismissal.' That is understood to be swearing at fourth official Matt Donohue. And because of that, the self-proclaimed ‘best defender’ will miss another game, and a very important one – against Chelsea.
The Blues are desperately seeking to secure the fifth spot in the league, which would guarantee them the Champions League football next season, but are in the sixth spot with five points less than Liverpool. Still, there are a lot of games to be played and if they win at Stamford Bridge, they will shrink the difference between them and United to only four points and the Red Devils still have a couple of tricky games like Liverpool, Brighton and Brentford. They are now risking their top five spot either, and will be forced to play with two under 20 defenders due to Maguire’s actions. United are already likely to be without Lisandro Martinez, who is facing a three-match ban for a red card of his own against Leeds and with Maguire on another one-game ban, Michael Carrick will have to field Leny Yoro (20) and Ayden Heaven (19) against Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Cole Palmer. United have not won any of the three games Yoro and Heaven have started together this season, conceding seven goals against Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Leeds when Ruben Amorim was in charge.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - QUARTER FINALS
Return leg
Tuesday
Atl. Madrid - Barcelona 1-2 (1-2)
/Lookman 31 - Yamal 4, Torres 24/
Atletico win 3-2 on aggregate
Liverpool - PSG 0-2 (0-0)
/Debele 72, 90+1/
PSG win 4-0 on aggregate
Wednesday
22.00: (1.50) Arsenal (4.30) Sporting (7.75)
22.00: (1.60) Bayern (5.10) Real Madrid (4.85)
***odds are subject to change***