How Man Utd Could Replace Injured Bruno Fernandes

How Man Utd Could Replace Injured Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United face a major blow with captain Bruno Fernandes set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring injury in the 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa.

Manager Ruben Amorim has not confirmed the severity of the injury but admitted Fernandes would “lose some games,” starting with the crucial Boxing Day clash against Newcastle. Known for his almost supernatural availability since joining in 2020, Fernandes has missed just three games due to injury or illness in over 200 league appearances.

The concern isn’t just his absence — it’s that United have lost five of the last six Premier League matches Fernandes didn’t feature in. So, who could fill the creative void?

Amorim’s Tactical Blueprint: Why Fernandes is Irreplaceable

Under Amorim, United operate with a 3-2-4-1 formation. Fernandes plays as one of the two central midfielders alongside Casemiro, tasked with:

• Quick, direct passes to runners in behind

• Heavy defensive workload tracking back

• Supporting transitions during long-ball build-ups

• Creativity in the final third

This tactical complexity means his replacement must be both creative and industrious, with positional intelligence and the ability to play in tight spaces.

Who Could Replace Bruno Fernandes?

Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo has featured 11 times in the league this season

• Amorim: “Mainoo is most similar to Bruno.”

• Missed the Villa game with a calf issue

• Intelligent passer, technically gifted, but raw

• Lack of experience in high-stakes Premier League matches

Mainoo is viewed internally as a Fernandes-type player but remains a fitness doubt. If available, he may thrive in a midfield three rather than Amorim’s two-man pivot.

Manuel Ugarte

Manuel Ugarte joined Man United from Paris St-Germain in August 2024

•  More of a Casemiro-style ball-winner than a creator

•  United haven’t won in their last 9 league starts with Ugarte

•  Brings physicality, lacks creativity

Pairing Casemiro with Ugarte could shore up defensive stability but limit attacking fluidity — a key Fernandes trait.

Lisandro Martinez

•  Natural defender, deployed in midfield vs Villa as emergency cover

•  Was arguably United’s best player that night

•  Amorim previously said Martinez should only play midfield “in emergencies”

While not creative, Martinez brings grit, leadership, and energy. A practical short-term option — especially for tight, physical fixtures.

Mason Mount

Mason Mount has scored three times in 14 league matches this season

•  More suited to No.10 role, not a deep-lying playmaker

•  In form — scored recently against Crystal Palace and Wolves

•  Versatile: Has played wing-back under Amorim

Mount offers a blend of work rate and final-third contribution. If Amorim tweaks his system to allow a 3-man midfield, Mount could play as the advanced 8 or 10.

Jack Fletcher

Jack Fletcher is an England Under-19 international

•  Replaced Fernandes in the Villa game

•  Just 18 years old — full of energy, technically sound

•  Too soon to start matches of this magnitude

The son of club legend Darren Fletcher, Jack has shown promise but is still developing. Better suited to cameo appearances at this stage.

Could Amorim Change His Tactical System?

Historically rigid in his 3-2-4-1 structure, Amorim hinted he might switch to a back four with a midfield three:

“If we have to change for a back four, we change for a back four.”

In this case, expect:

• Casemiro anchoring

• Mainoo and Mount or Ugarte/Martinez flanking him

• Zirkzee or Mount occupying a roaming No.10 role

This shift could give Mainoo more minutes, something Amorim alluded to earlier:

“Maybe if we play with three midfielders, Kobbie will have more minutes.”

Upcoming Fixtures (Without Bruno?)

1. Newcastle (H) – 26 Dec

2. Wolves (H) – 30 Dec

3. Leeds (A) – 4 Jan

4. Burnley (A) – 7 Jan

5. Brighton (H) – 11 Jan (FA Cup)

6. Man City (H) – 17 Jan

7. Arsenal (A) – 25 Jan

This seven-game run includes three of the top five teams. Navigating it without Fernandes will test United’s depth and Amorim’s tactical flexibility.

Verdict: Who Should Step In?

Best Combo (If Fit):

Casemiro – Mainoo – Mount (in a midfield 3)

Short-Term Likely Solution:

Casemiro – Martinez/Ugarte – Mount (if Mainoo is unavailable)