Manchester United will hope to build momentum in the Premier League following a dramatic win in the Manchester derby.
However, disciplinary issues could prove problematic for a top-four challenge. United have already had to deal with two suspensions this season and a number of players are not far away from adding to that tally.
As every club have already been made fully aware of this season, players who pick up five yellow cards in the first 19 matches of the Premier League season are hit with a one-match ban.
From that point onwards, players who are booked 10 times in the first 32 matches of the campaign are suspended for two games.
Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez both picked up their fifth yellow cards of the season in the same game – the 4-0 win over Everton – and therefore had to serve a suspension against Arsenal.
Suspension risk: One more yellow card for Manchester United would see Harry Maguire serve a one-match ban
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Fortunately, United have nobody serving a suspension for this weekend’s game at home to Bournemouth and the match against Newcastle United on December 30 is the final game in which suspensions will be handed out for a fifth yellow card.
Matthijs de Ligt, Amad Diallo, Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford have more breathing room on two yellow cards and therefore just have to avoid a booking against the Cherries – if selected – to be free of the threat of a one-game suspension.
Which Manchester United players are close to a suspension?
Four yellow cards: Harry Maguire
Three yellow cards: Diogo Dalot, Manuel Ugarte
