Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted it is going to be “not possible” to interchange captain Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder was dominated out with a hamstring damage.
Fernandes was pressured off throughout Sunday’s 2–1 defeat to Aston Villa and can miss Friday’s Premier League match at house to Newcastle.
As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, Amorim confirmed the Portugal worldwide shall be sidelined for a number of video games however stopped wanting giving a definitive return date, saying the damage is “not going to take plenty of time”.
Sources consider Fernandes might return for the Manchester derby towards Metropolis at Previous Trafford on 17 January, which might see him miss as much as 5 matches.
The damage comes at a tough time for United, who’re already with out attacking choices Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo because of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Kobbie Mainoo, seen as probably the most pure alternative for Fernandes, can also be unavailable as a consequence of a calf downside.
Talking to the media, Amorim underlined Fernandes’ significance to the workforce past his creativity.
“It’s not possible to interchange Bruno,” Amorim mentioned. “I mentioned that this morning to the workforce. We have to take the nice factor, if there’s a good factor on that – lots of people have to step up.”
Amorim highlighted Fernandes’ management and tactical consciousness as key causes for his worth to the aspect.
“It isn’t simply the creation,” he added. “At each set-piece, he’s the man organising the workforce. He understands each place on the sector and pays consideration to each element. When there’s a substitution, he’s all the time the man telling the opposite gamers the place they need to be.”
Fernandes’ absence is especially notable given his excellent health document since becoming a member of United from Sporting in January 2020. In almost six years on the membership, he has missed solely three matches by damage or sickness, making this his longest spell on the sidelines.
United will now must navigate a demanding run of fixtures with out their captain, with Amorim hoping others can rise to the problem till Fernandes returns.
