Impossible to replace Bruno Fernandes, says Amorim

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted it will be “impossible” to replace captain Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Fernandes was forced off during Sunday’s 2–1 defeat to Aston Villa and will miss Friday’s Premier League match at home to Newcastle.

As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, Amorim confirmed the Portugal international will be sidelined for several games but stopped short of giving a definitive return date, saying the injury is “not going to take a lot of time”.

Sources believe Fernandes could return for the Manchester derby against City at Old Trafford on 17 January, which would see him miss up to five matches.

The injury comes at a difficult time for United, who are already without attacking options Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo due to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kobbie Mainoo, viewed as the most natural replacement for Fernandes, is also unavailable due to a calf problem.

Speaking to the media, Amorim underlined Fernandes’ importance to the team beyond his creativity.

“It is impossible to replace Bruno,” Amorim said. “I said that this morning to the team. We need to take the good thing, if there is a good thing on that – a lot of people need to step up.”

Amorim highlighted Fernandes’ leadership and tactical awareness as key reasons for his value to the side.

“It is not just the creation,” he added. “At every set-piece, he is the guy organising the team. He understands every position on the field and pays attention to every detail. When there is a substitution, he is always the guy telling the other players where they should be.”

Fernandes’ absence is particularly notable given his outstanding fitness record since joining United from Sporting in January 2020. In nearly six years at the club, he has missed only three matches through injury or illness, making this his longest spell on the sidelines.

United will now have to navigate a demanding run of fixtures without their captain, with Amorim hoping others can rise to the challenge until Fernandes returns.