Bruno Fernandes Injury Blow: Man Utd Captain Could Miss a Month

‘Impossible to Replace’ – Bruno Fernandes Could Miss Up to a Month

Manchester United are bracing for a major setback as captain Bruno Fernandes could miss up to a month due to a hamstring injury.

Head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed the playmaker was ruled out of Friday’s clash with Newcastle after limping off during Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa. While the Portuguese tactician declined to confirm an exact return date, sources believe Fernandes could be back in time for the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on 17 January.

“It is impossible to replace Bruno,” Amorim admitted. “I said that this morning to the team.”

Crisis in Creativity

Fernandes’ absence couldn’t have come at a worse time. Key attacking options Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are away on Africa Cup of Nations duty, while Kobbie Mainoo, tipped as the natural successor in midfield, is sidelined with a calf injury.

Fernandes, 31, has an exceptional fitness record, having missed just three games through injury or illness since arriving from Sporting CP in January 2020. This will be his longest spell on the sidelines for the club.

“It’s not just the creation,” said Amorim. “He organises the team at every set-piece. He knows every position and helps others on the pitch — a true leader.”

Squad Depth Tested

With Casemiro returning from suspension but Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, and Noussair Mazraoui still unavailable, Amorim will be missing seven senior players for the Newcastle fixture.

Promising academy talents Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey, who debuted against Villa, are expected to play key minutes once again.

Veterans Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Diogo Dalot (who wore the armband at Villa Park) will be relied upon to steady the ship.

Must-Win Stretch Ahead

United face a string of fixtures against relegation-threatened sides — Newcastle, Wolves, Leeds, and Burnley — where dropped points could be costly in the race for Champions League spots.

Still, Amorim remains confident:

“We can win any game. We are stretched thin, but if we’re focused, I trust my players to deliver.”