Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has offered a fascinating insight into the off-pitch influence of his injured captain, Bruno Fernandes, praising the midfielder's leadership qualities even when he is unable to play.
Fernandes' Unseen Role as Captain
Fernandes missed United's 1-0 victory over Newcastle on Boxing Day with a hamstring problem and is also ruled out of the upcoming fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday. However, Amorim revealed that the Portuguese international's commitment remains undimmed, as he actively observes training sessions and communicates constantly with his teammates.
"He's the guy that is watching training even after treatment," Amorim explained. "He's going there. I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
The manager highlighted how this behaviour defines Fernandes' role. "He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain. He has bad things sometimes, the way he moves his arms, but he has a lot of good things... every time he makes recovery, he is the guy that is going to watch the other guys training. So there is a lot of things that you guys don't see but that he does. He's a great leader all the time."
Injury Update and Squad Concerns
Amorim was unequivocal about Fernandes' immediate availability, stating there is "no chance he is going to play against Wolves." This injury is a rare setback for Fernandes, who had only missed two games through injury in his United career before being hurt in the recent defeat to Aston Villa.
The manager also provided a concerning update on several other key players ahead of the Wolves match. He confirmed that defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire will remain out, while there are doubts over Mason Mount, who was substituted at half-time against Newcastle as a precaution.
"I think Kobbie Mainoo is not going to be ready. Bruno is not going to be ready. I think Matt is not going to be ready. Harry is not going to be ready," Amorim summarised. "So, I think we are not going to have more players."
Looking Ahead to Leeds Trip
The injury crisis may extend beyond the midweek fixture. Amorim expressed doubt that any of the sidelined contingent would return for Sunday's trip to face Leeds United.
"Bruno was already saying that he needs to train, but we don't know," Amorim said. "Kobbie Mainoo is going to start on the pitch also, so we will see. Matthijs is struggling a little bit. Harry the same thing, so I don't expect to have the players for this game, for the other game, I don't know."
This situation places significant pressure on United's squad depth as they navigate a busy festive period, with their captain leading from the sidelines in an unconventional but vital capacity.
