Man Utd Defensive Crisis Hits Before Chelsea Match

Manchester United face a defensive injury crisis ahead of their Premier League match against Chelsea on Saturday at Stamford Bridge, with captain Harry Maguire handed an additional one-match suspension by the Football Association for misconduct following his red card against Bournemouth last month.

Maguire, 33, was dismissed in the 78th minute of United's 2-2 draw at the Vitality Stadium on March 20 for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity on striker Evanilson inside the penalty area. Referee Stuart Attwell showed the red card, and as Maguire left the pitch, he directed abusive language toward fourth official Matt Donohue. The FA charged him on April 1, alleging he acted in an improper manner or used insulting words and behavior. The charge has been upheld, resulting in a one-match ban and a fine, meaning Maguire will miss the trip to west London. He already sat out Monday's 2-1 home defeat to Leeds United due to the initial suspension from the Bournemouth incident.

Compounding United's woes is the likely absence of center-back Lisandro Martinez, 28, who received a straight red card during the Leeds match for violent conduct. In the second half, Martinez tugged at the hair...