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Manchester United could be without Harry Maguire for their trip to the Etihad to take on Manchester City on Sunday 15th of December.
Maguire has struggled for gametime this season due to a combination of injuries and the signing of Matthijs de Ligt in the summer.
As a result, he has only started four Premier League games this season.
Nonetheless, new coach Ruben Amorim’s switch to a back three has provided a lifeline to all centre backs at the club and now the 31 year old is back from injury, he may get more opportunities as the new coach continues his policy of heavy rotation.
The Manchester Evening News reports that United are in danger of losing the player just as soon as he has returned to the fold.
“Manchester United could be without Harry Maguire for the derby with Manchester City later this month,” the outlet states.
“The centre back, who returned to the side in the midweek defeat at Arsenal, is now just one yellow card away from a ban. He was booked at the Emirates Stadium, his fourth of the season, and should he be cautioned in the home game against Nottingham Forest this weekend then he will miss the derby.”
The Red Devils were already forced to play without Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo against Arsenal at the Emirates due to both picking up a yellow against Everton last weekend.
Maguire is currently the only United player on four yellow cards but Diogo Dalot has three and will want to avoid suspension ahead of a busy festive period of football.
With Martinez returning from suspension and Leny Yoro from injury, Maguire may not be required anyway as a De Ligt, Martinez and Yoro back three could be Amorim’s preferred trio in the heart of the defence.
Therefore, Maguire may get a chance against FC Viktoria Plzeň in the Europa League instead next Thursday.
United will kick off against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday evening at 17:30 (UK time).
Featured image Octavio Passos via Getty Images
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