Manchester United face a midfield crisis after captain Bruno Fernandes was forced off with a hamstring injury during their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on December 22nd.
Injury Blow for United's Key Man
The influential Portuguese playmaker, who has been a constant presence since his 2020 transfer from Sporting Lisbon, suffered the setback in the first half at Villa Park. Remarkably, this injury is a rare occurrence for Fernandes, who has missed just two matches due to injury in the last five years.
United's problems were compounded by the absence of young star Kobbie Mainoo, who picked up a calf injury in training before the match. With Casemiro also suspended, manager Ruben Amorim was forced into a tactical reshuffle.
Martinez Steps Up in Midfield
Amorim's solution was to deploy central defender Lisandro Martinez in a midfield role alongside Manuel Ugarte. The Argentine's composed performance in an unfamiliar position did not go unnoticed.
Speaking on his podcast, former United captain Gary Neville analysed the decision. "When I saw Martinez come on, I thought 'How are United going to get a goal?' Neville admitted. "But I thought he was good on the ball, I thought he was tidy. He did a good job in there."
Neville suggested that while Casemiro's return from suspension is imminent, Martinez could be a viable short-term option. "Maybe that's something that will have to happen... it's potentially one thing Amorim could do in an emergency if it happens over the Christmas period," he added.
Amorim Rules Out Panic Buys in January
Despite the mounting injury concerns, Ruben Amorim has firmly stated that the club will not deviate from its planned strategy in the upcoming January transfer window.
Speaking after the Villa defeat, the United manager emphasised a measured approach. "What we cannot do is to reach January and try to do everything in urgency and make mistakes," Amorim stated. "I'm not going to get with Jason under Omar and I'm going to say we need a lot of players because we have a plan. If we have to suffer, the club comes first."
Both Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo are expected to miss the crucial Boxing Day fixture against Newcastle United at Old Trafford. Casemiro will return, but Ugarte remains the only other recognised central midfielder available, placing significant pressure on Amorim's squad management during the busy festive schedule.
