Manchester United

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire believes finishing in the top four of the Premier League is the team's priority this season, but he has said he expects them to be competitive in all tournaments ahead of their UEFA Europa League last-16 showdown with LASK on Thursday.

The Red Devils are enjoying a strong run of form, with their 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday in the Premier League arguably their best performance of the campaign.

In the Premier League, they remain in contention for a top-four spot—they are fifth, three points behind Chelsea—while silverware is up for grabs in the Europa League and the FA Cup. Maguire told the club's official website he wants to see the team challenge on three fronts:

"Ever since we started in this competition the gaffer [Ole Gunnar Solskjaer] has reiterated how important it is. We wanted to win the group, we won the group; we wanted to go through against Brugge, and we took each game really seriously. It is an important competition, and we know it is a way to get the Champions League football, which is what we are all after."

"Obviously, the most important thing is getting in the top four of the Premier League for the Champions League, and we know that. So it is a competition we want to win; we want to win the FA Cup as well. We want to stay in these competitions for as long as we can."

United will travel to face the Austrian outfit on Thursday in a match that will be played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus outbreak.

In the previous round, the Red Devils cruised past Club Brugge:

Given the manner in which United are playing, they will be considered among the favourites to win the Europa League this season.

While they have slumped to some disappointing results this term, Solskjaer has managed to strike the right balance in recent weeks. The addition of Bruno Fernandes in January and an improvement in the team's defensive solidity have been the catalysts for change.

Maguire's form has also been outstanding during that timeframe. Since taking the captain's armband in January, he's been much improved; football writer Daniel Harris praised him and Luke Shaw after the Manchester derby win:

https://twitter.com/DanielHarris/status/1236720252911857670

The United Twitter account recently highlighted Maguire's defensive display in the 1-1 draw at Everton:

Clearance...
...after clearance...
...after clearance...
...after clearance!@HarryMaguire93 on Sunday = 💪#MUFC pic.twitter.com/lHxseL3waO

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 4, 2020

As much as finishing in the top four seems to be a priority, United supporters will be desperate to see the team lift silverware this season too. 

Against LASK, they will be big favourites to progress, while in the FA Cup quarter-finals, they will fancy their chances against the Premier League's bottom club, Norwich City. For Maguire, lifting a trophy would be a fine way to cap off what is turning into a promising debut season at Old Trafford.

Scott McTominay has lauded Bruno Fernandes for his Manchester United contribution during his opening weeks at the club.

According to Tyrone Marshall of the Manchester Evening News, McTominay said the £47 million January capture from Sporting CP has given United "a personality" the starting XI has needed.

"With Bruno you can see he comes in and he's a born winner, you see that in training.

"He's willing to take the ball in any situation and play the killer pass, we need that creative spark. I can't give him enough credit for the way he's started.

"He's very demanding, he's a No. 10 who wants the ball, but he's been a breath of fresh air, he's got a personality and that's what this football club needs, he has that in abundance."

The former Sporting captain has been a revelation for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, reinvigorating United's charge for UEFA Champions League qualification.

The Red Devils defeated champions Manchester City 2-0 in Sunday's Premier League match at Old Trafford, and Fernandes was once again an important figure as he provided an assist for Anthony Martial's opener.

Fernandes' exploits haven't gone unnoticed, and the Portugal international was awarded the PFA Fans' Player of the Month for February:

✨ Huge congrats to @B_Fernandes8 who has been voted the PFA @BristolStMotors Fans' Player of the Month!#MUFC @ManUtd #pfafansaward pic.twitter.com/Kq1pXvz4D9

— PFA (@PFA) March 9, 2020

The 25-year-old has scored three goals and provided three assists in his eight United appearances in the Premier League and UEFA Europa League.

United legend Ryan Giggs has also been quick to praise Fernandes, with the Wales manager telling Sky Sports News (h/t United's official website) the player has provided Old Trafford with the perfect winter boost.

"He's a fantastic player," Giggs said. "He's lifted the place, he has lifted everyone around him and it's still early days. I still think he can get even better. He's hit the ground running which is what you want—especially [after] signing in the January transfer window [because] it doesn't always happen. But he's fantastic and I'm pleased to see him doing so well."

United travel to LASK Linz on Thursday in the first leg of the Europa League last 16. Fernandes will be expected to start once again, with the Red Devils on a 10-game undefeated run in all competitions. Victory in the tournament would allow United into next season's Champions League, but LASK are in good form and remain top of the Austrian Football Bundesliga by six points.

Paul Pogba's return from injury could be imminent, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but the Manchester United manager has ruled Anthony Martial out of Thursday's game away to LASK in the UEFA Europa League.

Solskjaer provided updates on the fitness of both players ahead of the trip to Austria, per Richard Fay of the Manchester Evening News: "Anthony hurt himself when he slid into the post, so he is not ready for this game. Hopefully for Sunday, but not sure. Paul is getting closer, but not ready yet he hasn't trained with the team yet but by next week he will be ready."

Pogba being on the cusp of making a comeback may be a case of poor timing for both United and the Frenchman. During his absence dealing with an ongoing ankle problem, Pogba has watched his role as the creative fulcrum of the team be usurped by Bruno Fernandes.

The player who arrived from Sporting CP during the January transfer window has quickly imbued the Red Devils with greater industry and guile:

Bruno Fernandes among PL midfielders since he made his debut:

most passes into the box (48)
most total shots taken (19)
most shots on target (7)
most goal involvements (5)
=most assists (3)

and PFA player of the month for February. 🎩🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/GgKfqItufI

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 9, 2020

Fernandes' arrival has been the catalyst for a prolonged unbeaten run now stretching to 10 games across all competitions. Result and performances have created a renewed sense of optimism at Old Trafford, a feeling Solskjaer's rebuild is gathering steam and beginning to bear fruit.

While Fernandes is a symbol of the new hope, Pogba has been commonly associated with the inconsistency and inertia that have gripped United in recent seasons. His inability live up to the £89 million fee the Red Devils paid in 2016 has left United struggling to compete at the highest level.

Pogba is a mercurial talent who can often frustrate, but the 26-year-old combines power with flair in a way few other midfielders can manage. Yet, speculation persists Pogba will move on from United for a second time this summer, with Miguel Delaney of The Independent reporting earlier this month how the club was willing to let Pogba choose between Paris Saint-Germain and former club Juventus.

However, the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel has since reported Pogba now wants to stay at Old Trafford. Mokbel noted how "Pogba has been particularly impressed with the impact" Fernandes has made.

Having Pogba and Fernades jell would be the best-case scenario for Solskjaer. It would give United a creative one-two punch their rivals would envy and struggle to resist.

Pogba and Fernandes pulling the strings would increase the chances for Martial, who has matured into a prolific centre-forward on Solskjaer's watch.

📋 @AnthonyMartial in 2019/20:

3️⃣4️⃣ appearances
1️⃣6️⃣ goals
5️⃣ assists

Our no.9️⃣ 🙌 pic.twitter.com/z3V6MWRZse

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 10, 2020

Martial missing the first leg of the last-16 tie against LASK weakens United in a competition the Red Devils are looking to win for a second time in four seasons. Lifting the trophy again would put United back in the Champions League, and Solskjaer can at least count on another January import, Odion Ighalo, to lead the line well, along with academy talent Mason Greenwood, in Martial's absence.

Solskjaer will also need to trust the new faces for Sunday's game away to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. It's a match sure to have significant implications in the race for a top-four finish.

United are on the up thanks to Martial's goals and Fernandes' brilliance. Getting Pogba back fit and finally playing to his true ability could be the final piece needed to make this club a consistent winner of major trophies again.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is reportedly interested in signing a new long-term contract at the club despite previous speculation suggesting he was set to leave Old Trafford this summer. 

Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail wrote Pogba, 26, "is prepared to commit his future" to the Red Devils after being encouraged by the success of January signing Bruno Fernandes.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has made eight appearances for United this season due in large part to an ankle injury. His last appearance for the club came during their 4-1 Premier League win over Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

Fernandes, 25, has scored three goals and recorded the same number of assists in his first eight appearances under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, providing the kind of balance many expected of Pogba in a creative midfield role.

Former Chelsea and Everton winger Pat Nevin told Off The Ball the Portugal international—who has been an instant hit with fans—looks a more selfless star than his sidelined team-mate:

"Bruno Fernandes looks like he's playing for United. Paul Pogba looks like he's playing for Paul Pogba."@PatNevin on the impact Fernandes has had at Old Trafford.@paddypower

Full show: https://t.co/L7fa5QFhr6 pic.twitter.com/E5yY51qirV

— Off The Ball (@offtheball) March 9, 2020

Pogba's current contract at Old Trafford runs until June 2021, though United have the option to extend that stay by another year. Mokbel added Pogba earns around £300,000 a week, but a new deal would likely boost his earnings closer to £400,000 a week.

Real Madrid, Barcelona and former employers Juventus have each been strongly linked with the playmaker in recent transfer windows. 

Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, told Tuttosport (h/t Goal's Chris Burton) in mid-February that he had spoken to Juventus about a possible return shortly before engaging in a public spat with Solskjaer:

Paul is not mine and for sure not Solskjaer’s property, Paul is Paul Pogba’s. pic.twitter.com/CvBHW8mj8U

— RAIOLA (@MinoRaiola) February 17, 2020

United's manager told reporters on March 4 that Pogba was due to to return to training by the middle of the month. However, James Robson of the Evening Standard doubted whether the player would feature again for the club this term:

Pogba is back in full training next week. Should be available by the end of the month.
Let’s see if he gets back on the pitch for United. Don’t think anyone can say with any certainty he will this season #mufc

— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) March 4, 2020

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News reported on Monday that Pogba has been staying late at United's Carrington training facility in a bid to speed up his return following ankle surgery.

His current absence is the most substantial of his career after missing United's past 18 matches, surpassing the 17 games he sat out between October and December 2019 with the same injury, per Transfermarkt.

Fernandes made his Red Devils debut on February 1 in a 0-0 stalemate with Wolverhampton Wanderers, one of United's early results in their ongoing 10-match unbeaten streak (seven wins, three draws).

BBC 5 Live Sport's The Squad discussed the Portugal international's impact after starring in Sunday's 2-0 derby win over Manchester City, suggesting Pogba is no longer as missed by United following his arrival:

'Bruno does everything Pogba can do, and he's more direct and he scores goals AND he can take pens...' 🗣#TheSquad discuss just how well Bruno Fernandes has settled in at #MUFC 🔴

Download the latest pod ⬇️
🎧 https://t.co/5YTAUgARUq@Radio_Gaz | @RamboFYI | @StevenMcinerney pic.twitter.com/qMKEEwXgeU

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) March 10, 2020

City's potential two-year ban from the UEFA Champions League means a fifth-placed Premier League finish could be sufficient for Solskjaer's side to qualify for next season's competition.

The club's European fate is still expected to play an important role in whether Pogba extends his terms, though many fans will likely be encouraged to hear of the £89 million record signing's apparent U-turn.

Manchester United's UEFA Europa League last-16 first leg against Austrian outfit LASK on Thursday will be played behind closed doors due to concerns about the coronavirus outbreak.

Per Mark Critchley of The Independent, Austrian health minister Rudolf Anschober announced on Tuesday all outdoor events of more than 500 people would be cancelled until mid-April. But LASK then confirmed their game against United at the Linzer Stadion would go ahead without spectators. 

It is far from the first match to be put behind closed doors in recent days, though.

Tuesday's UEFA Champions League last-16 second leg between Valencia and Atalanta will be played without fans at the Mestalla Stadium with Los Che attempting to overhaul a 4-1 deficit.

For United, the decision could prove advantageous given LASK will not have the benefit of home support.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are on a run of 10 games unbeaten in all competitions, most recently securing a fine 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Most crucial for the Red Devils will be to get an away goal in Austria before the return to Old Trafford next week.

United have decent form in that regard. They have failed to score in just one of their last 11 Europa League games on the road. And in their recent unbeaten run, they have scored 24 times and conceded just twice. 

Tahith Chong has signed a new five-year contract with Manchester United, turning down a move to Inter Milan after being linked with the Italians for months.

The Red Devils announced the news on Monday, just hours after transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported the forward didn't sign an agreement with the Nerazzurri because they had planned on loaning him out:

Tahith Chong has an agreement with Inter as a free agent, but Inter want to loan him out... that’s why he hasn’t signed yet.

Man United last Friday told him they’re ready to offer a new contract until June 2025 if Chong will not choose Inter (and loan...). 🔴 #MUFC #transfers

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 9, 2020

It's a stunning reversal from Chong, who seemed all but certain to depart Old Trafford as a free agent until recently. The new deal will keep him at the club until 2022 and includes an option for an additional year.

In an interview with the club's official website, the Netherlands native said he believes United presents the best opportunity for him to develop:

"When I joined Manchester United as a youngster, it was a dream come true. It is an honour every time I pull on the shirt and represent this club. I am working hard every day to improve and I know this is the perfect environment to develop my game.

"The opportunity to learn from the manager, his coaching staff and the world-class players here is fantastic. I am delighted to sign this new contract and really grateful for the chance to prove myself here for many years to come."

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised his potential and work ethic.

The 20-year-old has long been regarded as one of the best prospects in the United academy after moving from Feyenoord in 2016, but his tremendous displays for the youth sides have yet to translate to the senior squad.

Unlike Brandon Williams and Mason Greenwood, he has played a minor role at the highest level, and his performances have not warranted a bigger role. The 6'1" winger has made 10 appearances this season, with three in the Premier League.

The potential is there, however, per Simon Peach of the Press Association:

Fair to say Tahith Chong has yet to shine for the first-team, but the 20-year-old has shown great potential in #MUFC's development system. This seems a smart deal. Solskjaer: "Tahith has great potential; given his age, ability & work-ethic, we can see that he has a bright future"

— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) March 9, 2020

A two-year contract with the option for a third season seems a perfect compromise for both parties. Chong will have the chance to continue his development, and if his playing time doesn't increase in the near future, he can reassess his options in 2022 or 2023. Meanwhile, United don't lose control over one of their most promising youngsters just yet.

It is a big blow for Inter, who appeared to have the Dutchman's path at the club planned out already:

Tahith Chong | Man United player on verge of agreeing exit, and Inter deal worth €2m a year including bonuses – Being signed partly for sponsorship reasons.

Loan essential as he doesn't fit Conte's style.https://t.co/xUO5FoYS4q #mufc

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 2, 2020

Chong was born in Curacao but has Chinese ancestry, which would have made him a valuable marketing tool for the Nerazzurri. The Chinese Sunings Holding Group has owned the club since 2016 and has been slowly rebuilding the Italian giant, investing in the academy and young talents like Lautaro Martinez and Nicolo Barella.

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has said he is hoping for his first France call-up in two years ahead of UEFA Euro 2020 this summer.

The Frenchman spoke after he opened the scoring in United's 2-0 win over Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday, telling RMC Sport (h/t Goal's James Westwood):

"Yes, I'm thinking about it. I want to go to the Euros. We'll see. I do my job, that's all.

"I'm trying to do my best to help United finish in the top four. I will try to score as many goals as possible to finish the season well."

Martial broke the deadlock against the Citizens on Sunday with a volley from Bruno Fernandes' scooped free-kick:

What a howler from Ederson! 🙈

Martial gives #MUFC the lead after volleying home Fernandes' clever free-kick, but Ederson should have saved it!

📺 Watch on Sky Sports Premier League
📱 Follow #MUNMCI here: https://t.co/4fE0H2P2zE
📲 Download the @SkySports app! pic.twitter.com/d2MB2vHbQK

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 8, 2020

ESPN's Alex Shaw and football writer Jordan Clarke hailed the 24-year-old's performance in the Manchester derby:

Lot of due praise for the Fernandes free kick but (Ederson error aside) think that Martial finish is completely underrated. Such a difficult skill to get that timing and connection with the ball dropping over the shoulder. Played like a proper No.9 yesterday.

— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawTel) March 9, 2020

https://twitter.com/FourFourJordan/status/1236718112113938439

He has been in strong form of late:

Anthony Martial has been directly involved in 6 goals (5⚽️ & 1️) in his last 8 starts in all competition, averaging a goal or assist every 105 minutes.

Sharp.  pic.twitter.com/qkiYlTFKys

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 8, 2020

The goal was his 11th in the Premier League this season, equalling his best league tally. He has scored home and away against both City and Chelsea.

He has 16 goals and five assists in all competitions, and he needs just one more strike to equal the tally from his first season at Old Trafford, the most prolific campaign of his career.

Martial hasn't played for Les Bleus since before the 2018 FIFA World Cup, in part because of the enormous amount of attacking talent available to manager Didier Deschamps.

Kylian Mbappe tends to play on the right for the national side, and through the middle, Martial still has to compete with Antoine Griezmann, Wissam Ben Yedder and Olivier Giroud, among others.

Griezmann and Giroud will be difficult to unseat, as they have been Deschamps' go-to pairing up front, and France won the World Cup with them leading the line. As for Ben Yedder, he has 18 goals and nine assists this season, so he has a good chance of retaining his place in the squad.

Martial can also play on the left flank, though, and a place there looks more realistic.

Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele is set to miss out on the Euros after he was ruled out for six months with a hamstring tear in February, while Kingsley Coman has also had some fitness issues this season.

France have fixtures against Ukraine and Finland at the end of March in the final international break before the tournament this summer, so Deschamps' squad selection will give an indication as to his thinking for the Euros and Martial's chances of being chosen.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Emre Can has revealed Manchester United were among the sides to pursue him in January, but he was quick to turn them down. 

The German moved to Dortmund from Juventus, whom he joined from United's bitter rivals Liverpool in 2018.

Can told Kicker (h/t Goal's Josh Thomas):

"I had three offers from the Premier League alone, including from Manchester United, but I didn't think about that for a second because of my Liverpool past.

"I have always had an extreme sympathy for BVB. I wanted to go to a club for which I can be important where I am needed. That's the case in Dortmund. Borussia suits me well—and vice versa."

The midfielder had fallen out of favour in Turin under new manager Maurizio Sarri, who omitted him from Juve's UEFA Champions League squad.

In total, he made just eight appearances under the Italian, of which only two were starts and the longest lasted 72 minutes.

He has already spent 512 minutes on the pitch with BVB, almost double the 279 minutes he played for the Bianconeri in the first half of the campaign.

Can initially joined on loan, but Dortmund have already made his stay permanent, which football writer Zach Lowy observed after he impressed in their 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in February:

There’s a reason why Borussia Dortmund decided to trigger their €26m option on Emre Can after just two starts for the club.

Another great performance from the German, winning back possession, getting forward with ease, and pressing Verratti and Gueye high up the pitch.

— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) February 18, 2020

He has continued to reward the Bundesliga outfit's faith in him with more strong performances.

Football writers Karl Matchett and Kaustubh Pandey remarked on his efforts after Dortmund's 2-0 win over Werder Bremen and 2-1 victory against Borussia Monchengladbach, respectively:

Emre Can has made a superb start to life with BVB.

A few more 400-yard wondergoals and big-game wins and he'll be a fan favourite in no time.

Even if it is in midfield instead of defence. https://t.co/Sc3Rf2bCMJ

— Karl Matchett (@karlmatchett) February 23, 2020

Emre Can with another impressive performance for Dortmund today.

With every passing game, he's making Juventus realise that they were wrong to push him out of the door like they did.

— Kaustubh Pandey (@Kaus_Pandey17) March 7, 2020

A midfielder like Can would have been an important asset at Old Trafford.

United allowed Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini to depart the club last year but did not made a move to replace either until January.

Can developed into a strong Premier League player during his time at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp and he's shown the kind of intensity and work rate he offers during his brief spell at Dortmund.

He only turned 26 in January, so he's in his prime, and he's a much more mobile presence in the centre of the pitch than Red Devils' midfielder Nemanja Matic.

Fred has improved after a rocky start at United last season, and Scott McTominay is an exciting prospect, but even after recruiting playmaker Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon in January, another midfielder should be among the Red Devils' priorities this summer.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his team are still several signings away from becoming Premier League title challengers after they beat Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Following the Red Devils' 2-1 win over City at the Etihad Stadium in December, Sunday's victory marked the first time since the 2009-10 season at United have beaten their local rivals home and away in the same campaign.

Per ESPN FC's Rob Dawson, Solskjaer said:

"We feel we are improving all the time. We know we lack one, two, three players to be considered a title contender and some experience and we know that.

"We are just going to start talking about going up the table, getting more points.

"Chelsea and Leicester are too far ahead for my liking."

Anthony Martial gave United the lead after half an hour when he volleyed Bruno Fernandes' scooped free-kick past Ederson at his near post.

Scott McTominay wrapped up the victory deep into injury time with a 40-yard strike into an open goal after a poor throw from Ederson:

Although the Red Devils benefited from poor goalkeeping from the Brazilian for their goals, Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News hailed their all-around performance in the contest:

That was #mufc's best performance under Solskjaer. Tactically superb throughout and key selections were vindicated. Some outstanding individual performances.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) March 8, 2020

In all competitions, it is the third time United have beaten City this season in four meetings.

The match continued Fernandes' fine start to life at Old Trafford since he joined from Sporting CP in January. In seven starts for his new side, he has returned three goals and three assists in all competitions.

He has played a large part in the Red Devils' impressive recent form:

Man Utd’s last 10 games across all competitions:

7 wins
3 draws
0 defeats

24 scored
2 conceded

Not bad. 👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/z7CGKcfgsT

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 8, 2020

As well as their three wins against City, United have also beaten Chelsea three times in all competitions, Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City in their only meetings and were the only side to avoid defeat to Liverpool in the Reds' first 27 league games of the season.

They haven't been able to produce such performances consistently, though. They have yet to win three league matches in a row this season and have won just 12 of their 29 games.

Fernandes' arrival has given the team a significant lift, but they still need more attacking firepower after letting Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez leave for Inter Milan last summer.

Alexis will return at the end of the season because he is only on loan, but the Chilean hasn't done much to suggest he's back at the level he reached at Arsenal, for whom he racked up 80 goals and 45 assists in 166 appearances.

He's missed a significant portion of the season through injury. In the 15 appearances he has made, of which seven have been starts, he has scored once and provided three assists.

Another midfielder is also needed after Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini left in 2019 without being replaced, particularly with Paul Pogba's future up in the air.

The Frenchman, who has played just eight times this season because of injury, will have just one year left on his contract this summer, though the club does have an option to extend the deal by a further year. As such, the Red Devils may need to sell him to recoup the £89 million they spent on him in 2016.

Manchester United goalkeeper Kieran O'Hara, who is currently on loan at Burton Albion, has been handed a six-match ban for biting an opponent.

According to David McDonnell of the Mirror, the 23-year-old was charged with violent conduct after Burton's 1-1 draw with Peterborough.

The stopper was also ordered to pay a £2,500 fine following the incident with Peterborough forward Sammie Szmodics.

An FA statement read:

"An independent Regulatory Commission has suspended Kieran O'Hara for six matches with immediate effect and fined him £2,500 for a breach of FA Rule E3."

"The Burton Albion goalkeeper denied that his behaviour during the 44th minute of an EFL League One fixture against Peterborough United on Saturday 29 February 2020 amounted to violent and/or improper conduct but the charge was subsequently found proven."

"The Independent Regulatory Commission's written reasons will be published in due course."

Szmodics complained to referee Brett Huxtable, but the official didn't see the incident. However, Huxtable mentioned the allegation in his post-match report.

O'Hara's ban starts immediately, and he will miss Burton's game at Lincoln City in League One. He will not be available to play again until April.