Bruno Fernandes injury leaves Manchester United facing a major setback, with Ruben Amorim expecting the captain to miss several games
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim fears captain Bruno Fernandes could be sidelined for “a while” after suffering a soft-tissue injury during Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa.
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The Portugal midfielder, who has started every league match this season, pulled up with an apparent hamstring problem shortly before half-time at Villa Park.
Although he initially played on, Fernandes did not return for the second half.
Amorim confirmed the 31-year-old will miss United’s Boxing Day clash against Newcastle and cast doubt over his availability for the remainder of the festive schedule.
“It’s a soft tissue. I think he’s going to lose some games,” Amorim said. “I don’t know for sure, so let’s see.”
Fernandes’ absence deepens United’s injury crisis, with England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo also ruled out of the Villa defeat due to a calf issue. The 20-year-old is now expected to miss the Newcastle fixture as well.
“I think Kobbie Mainoo is out, Bruno is out, so we will see,” Amorim said. “We are going to find solutions. No excuses.”
Casemiro will return from suspension against Newcastle, but United remain without Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui, who are away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are also sidelined.
The growing list of absentees has fuelled speculation over January reinforcements, but Amorim insisted the club will stick to its long-term plan.
“What we cannot do is reach January in urgency and make mistakes,” he said. “If we have to suffer, the club comes first.”
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United are under pressure to pick up points, but Amorim stressed his focus remains on finding internal solutions rather than reactive transfer moves.
