Man Utd facing huge crisis for pivotal Chelsea clash ahead of FA punishment

Man Utd facing huge crisis for pivotal Chelsea clash ahead of FA punishmentManchester United could be without two of their main centre-halves as Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire face possible bans ahead of their trip to Chelsea this weekendLisandro Martinez was shown a red card for a hair pull against Leeds (Image: Getty Images)BySamuel MeadeSports Brand Writer10:57, 14 Apr 2026|commentsManchester United face the prospect of missing their first choice centre-half pairing this week after Lisandro Martinez's red card with Harry Maguire also awaiting an FA ruling on his punishment. The Red Devils face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend with the Blues aiming to bolster their own Champions League chances. United's place in the top five had looked relatively secure, but Michael Carrick will be seeking an instant response to their shock Leeds loss as they bid to finish strongly following their mid-season revival. Their defeat came with United down to ten men after Martinez was sent-off, following a VAR intervention. The Argentine was dismissed for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair, a decision that stunned plenty of observers. Maguire was already missing as he served his ban. The Englishman was charged with "improper conduct" for allegedly using abusive or insulting language toward the fourth official after being sent off at Bournemouth. How many points Man Utd need to qualify for Champions League after Leeds United blow Rio Ferdinand calls out PGMOL as Man Utd fume at 'one of the worst' decisions The FA are still casting their eye over that and could further extend Maguire's ban given the nature of his offence. If that were to happen then United could see their resources stretched when they head to west London. It would likely leave Carrick having to play Leny Yoro, who started in the loss on Monday night, alongside youngster Ayden Heaven, who has started eight times in the league this term. The United boss was left seethi...