A number of Manchester United supporters have been reacting to the news that Harry Maguire will be suspended for the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton.
The Lowdown: Sunday chaos
Erik ten Hag’s side continued their long unbeaten record at Old Trafford following a dramatic quarter-final with Fulham on Sunday afternoon.
Aleksandar Mitrovic put the visitors in front in the second half before chaos ensued with 20 minutes to go. Jadon Sancho’s effort was blocked on the line by Willian, with referee Chris Kavanagh initially giving a corner. However, VAR advised the official to check the pitchside monitor, with Willian protesting and manager Marco Silva not happy. Silva was then shown a red card before Kavanagh awarded a penalty, with Willian also dismissed as well.
Mitrovic was also furious and pushed the referee's arm, becoming the third visitor to be sent off. Bruno Fernandes equalised from the resulting spot kick before Marcel Sabitzer put United in front shortly after and Fernandes sealed a 3-1 win in stoppage time.
Ten Hag’s side will now take on Brighton at Wembley for a place in the final, but the United boss won’t have a full selection of players to choose from.
The Latest: Fans react to Maguire news
Maguire received a booking after just 21 minutes for a foul which meant that he would be suspended for the semi-final. United Report shared the news on Twitter during the game, where a number of supporters were actually happy at the update.
"Finally some good news" - @nilohitsharma
"Best thing to happen today even if we win" - @MattyMurray18
"Yessssss" - @thatmendiguy
"Blessing in disguise if Varane is for enough to replace him" - @forthesp0rts
"YESSSSS TODAY CAN'T GET ANY BETTER" - @kxngrxse
"One less game I have to endure Maguire in a United shirt until he's sold to Newcastle in the summer. Seems like a decent enough lad but watching him play for United gives me major health problems. Looking forward to it being over, but I will have PTSD for many many years." - @ManUnitedTalk
"This news, makes me feel better than seeing our performance" - @djuangnoff
The Verdict: Varane and Martinez?
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have been Ten Hag’s first-choice centre-back pairing this season. Varane missed the match on Sunday with an injury but is expected to be back in action following the international break.
Therefore, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if the two were to start at Wembley next month, with Victor Lindelof a potential option from the bench.
Maguire being suspended isn’t ideal, though, despite the reaction from some fans, so Ten Hag will be hoping his squad remain fully fit over the coming months, especially at the back before the meeting with Brighton.