Ruben Amorim revealed Manchester United fear a lengthy spell without captain Bruno Fernandes, who left injured during a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, overshadowing Morgan Rogers’ double and Matheus Cunha’s first-half reply at Villa Park in a match shaped by fitness problems and growing pressure on United’s already depleted squad.
Fernandes, making his 292nd start for United, signalled trouble shortly before half-time, clutching a hamstring moments before Rogers struck in the 45th minute, and Amorim withdrew the captain at the interval, only the third time Fernandes had been substituted at half-time for United after similar occurrences against Tottenham in October 2020 and Real Sociedad in February 2021.
Speaking after the match, Amorim suggested
Fernandes’ problem could keep the captain out during a heavy festive schedule, despite Fernandes recently stressing durability in an interview where the midfielder noted missing only 17 games in all competitions for United since debut, highlighting how rare such absences have been in an otherwise consistent record.
Amorim did not hide the concern around the situation, explaining the medical staff expect a muscle problem rather than an impact issue and telling Sky Sports, "I think it's soft tissue [Fernandes' injury], so it's going to be a while. We'll see," underlining the likelihood of a longer recovery at a demanding stage of the season.
The injury comes at a time when United already navigate several key absences, with Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui all away on Africa Cup of Nations duty, while Casemiro served a suspension and did not travel to Villa Park, and defenders Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are also sidelined through injury issues.
With options reduced, Amorim introduced Lisandro Martinez for Fernandes at half-time, using the defender as an improvised central midfielder during the second period, as United tried to adapt roles within a stretched group and balance defensive stability with creativity against a Villa side buoyed by Rogers’ decisive brace.
Amorim reflected on the wider pattern of physical setbacks this season, admitting the club face a difficult run of fitness concerns and fixture congestion and stating, "It is really strange. During this year, especially at this time, we have so many problems, but we have to cope with that. " Amorim also highlighted the chance this situation gives to younger players.
The coach pointed to competitive debuts as a positive element, noting that academy products stepped into the gap and saying, "I think [Jack] Fletcher did his first game, so that is good news. [Shea] Lacey the same, so we will try to find solutions and go to the next game," as United turned to youth to cover absences.
Amorim drew on past experience at Sporting CP when discussing academy reliance, emphasising that promoting young talent must be handled carefully and explaining, "I am a manager for six years, and even Sporting [CP] is all about the academy, so it's about the history. Every manager wants to bring players through from the academy and not spend money because this gives value to the manager. I just want to win and want to be certain that the players that come in from the academy are not going to suffer too much. I'm just trying to help the club; it doesn't matter if it's from the academy or abroad. "
On the pitch, Rogers’ two goals decided the contest despite Cunha pulling one back in first-half stoppage time, and while Villa celebrated a hard-earned home victory, the main outcome for United centred on Fernandes’ condition, with Amorim now planning for a challenging festive run where tactical adjustments, academy support and careful management of a weakened squad will be crucial.
