Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim confirmed that both skipper Bruno Fernandes and starlet Kobbie Mainoo will miss the Red Devils’ game against Newcastle, but hinted at a quicker recovery for both than was earlier feared.
Fernandes picked up a soft tissue injury during United’s 1-2 defeat to Aston Villa at the Villa Park, while Mainoo has had to address an issue with his calf.
“Not for this game,” Amorim said ruling out the midfielders from the Magpies game.
“They are recovering. I don’t think that is going to take a lot of time. I think Kobbie will return faster than Bruno,” the 40-year-old added.
United, currently seventh in the English top-flight, faced a defeat by Unai Emery’s team, who moved up to third in the standings. Despite Matheus Cunha’s
goal for United, Morgan Rogers’ double ensured it was only a consolation.
United have gathered 26 points from 17 games this season, with seven wins, five draws, and five losses. Meanwhile, Aston Villa secured third place in the league following their 10th consecutive victory.
Ahead of their Premier League match against Newcastle, United have eight players unavailable. This includes Casemiro, who is suspended, and Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, and Matthijs De Ligt, who are injured. Additionally, Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo are participating in the AFCON.
Amorim also remarked that approaching the winter transfer window with urgency to fill positions could lead to confusion and mistakes.
Newcastle will travel to Manchester to face Ruben Amorim’s United at the Theatre of Dreams, aiming to continue their strong performances against the Red Devils. The Toon Army is eager to add to their five wins out of the last six encounters against United. Since their defeat to United in the 2022 EFL League Cup Final, Newcastle has secured four wins in five meetings.
