Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim urged his players to step up while star player Bruno Fernandes faced a brief period on the sidelines after he picked up a soft tissue injury during United’s 1-2 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park.
Seventh-placed United welcome Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United to Old Trafford on the 27th of December, and Amorim will have to alter his plans for the game against the Toons.
“It’s impossible to replace Bruno. A lot of people need to step up,” the Portuguese boss said.
“It’s not just the creation. On every set-piece, he is the guy organising the team and that is a good opportunity for everyone to step up and realise we can’t rely on one player for everything. Sometimes we rely on Bruno for the organisation and creation.
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.
“We lost Bruno, Bryan (Mbeumo) and Amad (Diallo) in set pieces so this is massive for the team, but it’s an opportunity for other players to step up and show the leadership we need in the team.”
“We maybe need to see different ways of playing. I think Jack Fletcher did a very good job and that’s why when we have this opportunity, we need to give space to guys like Jack and other ones,” Amorim added.
“I am confident we can win any game. We have some problems, but I believe in the team, even without many players in this moment.
“It is more difficult, but I trust in my players. If we are really focused in the game, we can win.”
