Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted that Bruno Fernandes could be sidelined for a significant period after being forced off during his side’s 2:1 defeat to Aston Villa, Idman.Biz reports.
Villa secured the win thanks to two stunning goals from Morgan Rogers, while Matheus Cunha scored United’s only goal in first-half stoppage time. However, the main concern for United was Fernandes’ injury, with the captain substituted at half-time after clutching his hamstring shortly before Rogers opened the scoring in the 45th minute.
The match marked Fernandes’ 292nd start for the club, and it was only the third time he has been taken off at half-time, following similar substitutions against Tottenham in October 2020 and Real Sociedad in February 2021. Earlier this week, Fernandes had described himself as “always available” for United, having missed just 17 matches in all competitions since his arrival.
Speaking after the game, Amorim suggested the injury could keep Fernandes out for some time, especially during the busy festive period.
“I think it’s soft tissue, so it’s going to be a while. We’ll see,” Amorim told Sky Sports. “It’s really strange. This year, especially at this time, we have so many problems, but we have to cope with that.”
The United coach also pointed to positive signs from younger players, highlighting appearances by Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey as potential solutions amid the squad’s growing absences. Amorim stressed the importance of balancing academy development with competitiveness, insisting his main focus remains winning while protecting young players from excessive pressure.
Fernandes was replaced by Lisandro Martinez, who operated as an improvised midfielder in the second half. United are currently dealing with multiple absences, with Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui away on Africa Cup of Nations duty, Casemiro suspended, and Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt sidelined through injury.
