Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been hit with a devastating setback as captain Bruno Fernandes faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Shearer's Stark Warning for United
Premier League legend Alan Shearer has delivered a grim assessment, stating that losing Fernandes at this crucial time will undoubtedly prove costly for the Old Trafford side. The midfielder sustained the problem during United's 2-1 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.
Fernandes has been a model of reliability since his £67 million move from Sporting CP in January 2020, missing just two games through injury in over five years. Initial reports suggest he could now be absent for the next six matches, a huge blow given the packed schedule.
A Perfect Storm of Absences for Amorim
The injury crisis could not have come at a worse time. United are already contending with multiple key players away at the Africa Cup of Nations, including Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui.
This is compounded by a separate injury list featuring Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, and Matthijs de Ligt. Shearer emphasised the unique impact of losing Fernandes, telling Betfair: "He's been the one constant through all their troubles, the one pulling them through games at times. There's no doubt they'll miss him massively."
Amorim could be without as many as 14 players for the Boxing Day clash against Newcastle United at Old Trafford. The festive period sees United play four games in just 12 days, facing Newcastle, Wolves, Leeds United, and Burnley.
Amorim Seeks Solutions Amidst the Chaos
Speaking after the Villa loss, the United boss gave a worrying update but insisted the team would find a way forward. "It's a soft tissue, I think he's [Fernandes] going to lose some games, I don't know for sure," Amorim said.
"I think Kobbie might be out, Bruno is out, so we will see. We are going to find solutions, no excuses, we need to win the next game and we will try to win the next game," he added, striking a defiant tone.
Shearer noted that Newcastle also have significant defensive injuries, but highlighted the performance of young Lewis Miley at right-back as a positive. The stage is set for a fraught festive period where squad depth will be tested to its limit, with Fernandes' creative genius sorely missed on the pitch.
