Eddie Howe says he will not ask Joelinton to change the way he plays despite the Brazilian collecting nine yellow cards this season.
Joelinton will be banned for two matches in the Premier League if he collects another caution before the 32nd top-flight game of the season. But only a red card would see him suspended for the Carabao Cup final later this month - which could be applied to any United player of course.
Howe feels that asking Joelinton to calm it down will take away half the player. When asked about Joelinton's habit of picking up yellow cards, Howe said: "He is close to a suspension but he wouldn't be cup-tied for the final even if he got another but he would miss the next two league games if that did happen.
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"Look, we're light in midfield, it is an area of concern for us so we're desperately keen to keep him on the pitch without getting booked."
But Howe insisted he will not be taking Joelinton to one side for a word or be looking for him to cool it. Howe said: "No, I think I have had this discussion many times with different players.
"He is competitive, he is a fighter and wants to win. That at times will spill over into yellow cards."
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