Overview
- The FA issued Harry Maguire an extra one‑match ban and a £30,000 fine, and Lisandro Martinez could also be suspended for pulling Dominic Calvert‑Lewin’s hair, leaving Michael Carrick to reshuffle his defence before Chelsea.
- United sit third in the league with a seven‑point gap to sixth, and three wins from their six remaining games would clinch Champions League entry, with Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool flagged as the fastest route.
- Qualification would secure the full annual payment in United’s 10‑year, £900m Adidas deal, which drops by £10m if they miss the competition.
- UEFA has confirmed the Premier League will send five teams to next season’s Champions League, which improves United’s odds as they manage the run‑in.
- Off the pitch, reports link United with outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and targets Marcos Senesi and Eli Junior Kroupi, while Aston Villa’s Unai Emery said a permanent Jadon Sancho deal is “too soon” to discuss.