Manchester United will hope to build momentum in the Premier League following a dramatic win in the Manchester derby.
Whilst it has been a hugely disappointing campaign so far for the Red Devils - currently sitting 13th in the table, heading towards the halfway point of the season - last weekend’s victory at the Etihad Stadium was proof that Ruben Amorim can turn things around.
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.
Man Utd have received 39 bookings in 16 league matches, though because Bruno Fernandes’ red card against Tottenham was overturned following a successful appeal, they are one of only six clubs to have not had a player sent off.
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.
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.
Harry Maguire is only one yellow card away from a ban, while Diogo Dalot and Manuel Ugarte need to watch their step over the next three matches.
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
