Man Utd handed Bruno Fernandes harm timeline as Ruben Amorim’s issues proceed
Bruno Fernandes is set to be sidelined for at least a month after being substituted at half-time during Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes faces at least a month on the sidelines after sustaining an injury during his side’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
The Portuguese playmaker was clearly in discomfort throughout the first half, with a substitution needed at the break. According to The Telegraph, the club skipper has suffered a “suspected soft-tissue injury”, which forced his withdrawal at the interval at Villa Park.
The timing of Fernandes’ setback couldn’t be worse for United, with crucial players Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui all currently on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations in the coming weeks.
This has already left Ruben Amorim dealing with a weakened squad, something evident in his dependence on youth during Sunday’s disappointing outcome, as he turned to the likes of Shea Lacey and Jack Fletcher from the substitutes’ bench.
Missing Fernandes represents a huge blow, especially considering his crucial role in their recent upturn in form, finding the net five times and registering seven assists from his deeper central role.
Speaking about the injury after the game, Amorim commented: “I think it’s a soft-tissue injury so it’s going to be a while. He is a guy who is always fit so we hope he can recover well.
“We will see. It’s an injury and sometimes it’s bad luck or something else at the same time. You can never control these things.
“We will need to find solutions and we cannot use anything as an excuse. We need to prepare all the guys that we have for the next game. No one is going to remember these problems, so let’s cope with that. It will make us stronger,” reports the Mirror.
Kobbie Mainoo could finally get his chance, following calls from fans everywhere for the young player to be given his shot, not to mention the public T-shirt stunt by his brother.
Despite proving his worth at the top level – having played for England and scored an FA Cup winning goal for United – the academy star has yet to start a Premier League match this season.
Mainoo was absent from the defeat at Villa Park due to a minor injury picked up in training, which ruled him out as an immediate replacement for Fernandes on Sunday. However, he could feature in the Boxing Day clash with Newcastle United.
“I will see,” was Amorim’s response when asked if the midfielder might play in the coming week.
“I think Kobbie Mainoo is out, but we will see. We are going to find solutions. No excuses, we need to win the next game and we are going to try to win the next game.”
With yet another fitness worry arising, Amorim confronts some pivotal matches in the coming weeks that could see his captain ruled out.
Given that United’s last genuine chance of silverware rests with the FA Cup, losing Fernandes for the forthcoming Brighton encounter could prove catastrophic, along with his potential unavailability for showdowns against rivals such as Leeds, Manchester City, and Arsenal.
