By Martin Graham
Manchester United Boss Ruben Amorim admits there is no such substitute Bruno Fernandes after the playmaker picked up a hamstring problem in the 2-1 reverse at Aston Villa. The Portuguese star is expected to miss Friday’s clash with Newcastle (20:00 GMT), and while Amorim stopped short of offering a clear recovery timetable, he hinted that the lay-off should be relatively short.
Internal indications are that the club’s skipper could be back in time for the away derby Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, which would equate to around five games lost. That projection would mark the longest stretch he has gone without being available since moving to Manchester from Sporting at the start of 2020.
Fernandes’ durability has been exceptional; in almost six years he has only been absent twice due to physical problems and another due to illness. The current setback ends a long streak of consistent availability and comes amid early fears he could be out for up to six weeks. Amorim underlined his influence, noting that Fernandes dictates the organization of set-piece routines, manages positioning across the pitch and helps guide teammates in real time.
The coach confessed to the squad that no figure can provide identical contributions, and stressed that the group must collectively raise their performances to compensate for the loss of the captain.
Labor shortage leaves United stretched
United’s forward line is already depleted with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo representing their nations at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Kobbie Mainoo – the most natural candidate to fill Fernandes’ creative void – is absent due to a calf concern. Amorim hopes that Mainoo will appear before Fernandes again.
Defensive resources are also scarce. Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire remain out, and Noussair Mazraoui is also out on international duty. However, seven members of the established squad will be missing against Newcastle Casemiro becomes available again after serving a suspension.
Amorim singled out seniors Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw as figures who could take on greater leadership responsibilities, with Diogo Dalot taking the armband at Villa Park in place of Fernandes. With options limited, academy youngsters Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey, who both featured on the bench for Villa, may be given extra chances to play.
The upcoming league fixtures look forgiving on paper, with Wolves, Leeds and Burnley following Newcastle all involved in the relegation battle. However, United have previously stumbled when attempts to climb towards Champions League qualification have been presented.
Amorim remains optimistic despite adversity
Despite the list of problems, Amorim remains confident in the squad’s potential. He reiterated his belief that as long as players stay focused, wins can be achieved regardless of absentees.
The manager’s message was clear: although the situation is far from ideal, he is confident in the commitment of the group and is convinced that they have enough quality to achieve positive results until they return key personnel.
