Amorim will be without several regular players in the coming days.
The loss of team captain and one of their most consistent performers, Bruno Fernandes, is a huge blow, and Ruben Amorim did not try to hide it. According to the Manchester United coach, the Portuguese midfielder’s absence is simply impossible to replace.
United had been unbeaten in four consecutive Premier League matches as they tried to find their rhythm, but that run ended last Sunday with a 2–1 defeat away to Aston Villa.
Fernandes suffered a hamstring injury late in the first half of that disappointing match. He tried to continue playing for a while but could not last long, and the coach substituted him at half-time.
According to The Times, United hope to have Fernandes back for the Manchester derby on January 17, though Amorim did not confirm anything.
Manchester United will return to action on Friday, the day after Christmas, when they host Newcastle United at Old Trafford. The match will kick off at 2:00 am Bangladesh time.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, two days before the match, Amorim expressed his frustration at losing Fernandes.
“Finding a replacement for Bruno is impossible. Many players will have to step up to cover his absence.”
“Not just for creating chances. In every set-piece, he organizes the entire team. His absence gives everyone an opportunity to step up, and they must understand that we cannot rely on a single player for everything. Sometimes we rely on Bruno to organize the team and create chances.”
Amorim will also be without several other regular players in the coming days. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui are away for the Africa Cup of Nations. Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are sidelined through injury, while Kobbie Mainoo was ruled out of the Villa match at the last moment due to a leg muscle problem.
After 17 league matches, United sit seventh in the table with 26 points, 13 points behind the leaders.
