Ashley Young was hit with retrospective punitive action for an incident in Manchester United’s goalless draw with Southampton on Saturday. The United defender was charged by the Football Association for violent conduct as he appeared to elbow the Saints Dusan Tadic. The incident escaped notice from referee Craig Pawson, but after reviewing video evidence, the FA handed him a three match ban.
Ashley Young decided not to contest the charge, and his absence now makes an already injury depleted back line that much thinner in regards to depth.
With Eric Bailly out until February or March, and Antonio Valencia still missing in action, United manager Jose Mourinho had to get creative with the back line in his starting formation today at Everton.
He went with Luke Shaw at left back, Marcos Rojo left center back, Phil Jones right center back and Victor Lindelof at right back.
Chris Smalling and Matteo Darmian were doubts heading into this match, and found themselves named as available substitutes, alongside Axel Tuanzebe and Daley Blind.
Here's how #MUFC line up for today's @PremierLeague encounter… pic.twitter.com/JsKu6TNq6f
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 1, 2018
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