Fresh blow for Carrick: Another Man Utd star ruled out after Martinez's red card for Chelsea clash

Manchester United have suffered a major blow ahead of their blockbuster clash with Chelsea this weekend.

Harry Maguire picked up a straight red card during the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth last month. He was forced to miss the Leeds United clash on Monday.

The Football Association (FA) charged him with misconduct after he swore at fourth official Matt Donohue following his red card.

They ruled: “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.”

According to The Athletic, this charge is set to be upheld, with Maguire receiving a one-game ban and a fine.

This fresh suspension could hardly come at a worse time for interim manager Michael Carrick.

Lisandro Martinez was given his marching orders against Leeds in the second half when he pulled out the bobble from Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair.

United are appealing the ban as they do not believe that the hair pull on the Leeds striker constituted violent conduct, but the PGMOL is confident that a straight red card was the right decision by the officials.

If they fail with this appeal, Martinez will be forced to the miss next three fixtures.

Matthijs de Ligt is already out injured due to back problems and he may not play again this season.

He was expected to return in January, but setbacks in his recovery have forced him out for an extended spell.

Carrick may be forced to rely on a youthful centre-back pairing of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven against Chelsea.

The stakes could not be higher, with both sides locked in a fierce battle to secure a top-five finish and qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .