Manchester United are remaining mum on when captain Bruno Fernandes will return to Premier League action following injury.
Published December 24, 2025
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says it will be impossible for him to replace injured captain Bruno Fernandes, but insists the Portuguese midfielder’s absence is an opportunity for other players to step up.
“It’s impossible to replace Bruno,” Amorim told reporters on Wednesday ahead of Friday’s home game against Newcastle United, adding: “A lot of people need to step up.”
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Fernandes was sent off at half-time with a soft tissue injury in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, leaving United without a creative fulcrum and set-piece organizer.
The Times reported that United are hopeful that Fernandes will be able to return for the Manchester derby on January 17. However, Amorim declined to comment on the extent of the injury, although he acknowledged the vacuum created by the injury.
“It’s not just the creation. On every set piece, he’s the one holding the team together. And it’s a good opportunity for everyone to step up and realize you can’t rely on one player for everything. Sometimes we rely on Bruno for organization and creation.”
“This is huge for the team because we lost Bruno, Brian (Mbeumo) and Amadou (Diallo) at set pieces, but it’s also an opportunity for other players to step up and show the leadership that the team needs.”
Mbeumo and Diallo will not participate in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, representing Cameroon and Ivory Coast respectively.
Mainu remains unavailable for Manchester United
No player has created more chances than Fernandes in the Premier League this season and United need to retool their midfield, with Amorim confirming unstable youngster Koby Mainu will also miss the game.
“We probably need to look at a different way of playing. I think Jack Fletcher has done a very good job. That’s why we need to give space to Jack and the other players when we have this opportunity,” Amorim added.
“I’m confident that we can win any game. We have some problems, but I believe in the team, even if we don’t have many players at the moment.”
“It’s more difficult, but I have faith in the players. If we are really focused on the game, we will win.”
Fletcher, the son of former United player Darren, and Shea Lacey made their debuts against Villa and Amorim was full of praise for the two 18-year-olds.
“The behavior they have shown over the last few weeks has been truly outstanding,” Amorim said.
“There’s no sense of ‘I play for Man United so I’m a bit different’ (that’s what they think).”
Amorim said defenders Harry Maguire (hamstring) and Matthijs de Ligt (back) would also miss the match against Newcastle.
“It’s not available this time. Let’s look at the next one,” he said.
