Manchester United is bracing itself for a potentially lengthy absence of its talismanic captain, Bruno Fernandes, who suffered a hamstring injury during the 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa. As the club evaluates the full extent of the damage, manager Ruben Amorim will be anxiously awaiting the diagnosis, knowing that any significant absence would be a significant blow to the team's prospects.
The Portuguese playmaker has been a revelation since joining the Red Devils in January 2020, featuring in an astonishing 212 out of 221 Premier League games, including 208 starts. His remarkable availability record has been a key factor in United's success during this period, and his potential absence would leave a gaping hole in the team's creative department.
Historically, United has struggled in Fernandes' absence, losing four of the last six league games he has missed, including the past four. This statistic will undoubtedly be a cause for concern for Amorim, who will need to find a suitable replacement to fill the void left by the injured midfielder.
With a crucial run of fixtures on the horizon, including games against Newcastle, Wolves, Leeds, and Manchester City, Amorim will need to act quickly to find a solution. The next seven games will be a defining period for United, and the manager's ability to adapt and innovate will be put to the test.
So, who can replace the injured Fernandes? Amorim has several options at his disposal, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. One possibility is Kobbie Mainoo, the 20-year-old midfielder who has been touted as a potential long-term successor to Fernandes. However, Mainoo is currently nursing a calf problem and is unlikely to be fit for the upcoming game against Newcastle.
Another option is Manuel Ugarte, the Uruguayan midfielder who has struggled to establish himself in the team. While Ugarte has the ability to partner Casemiro in midfield, his record in the league is a concern, with United failing to win any of the last nine games he has started.
Amorim has previously stated that he would only consider Lisandro Martinez as a midfield option "in an emergency". With Fernandes injured, this situation may meet the criteria, and Martinez's performance against Villa Park was arguably one of the few positives to take from the game.
Alternatively, Amorim could opt for Mason Mount, who has the ability to operate as a number eight and create chances for his teammates. Playing Mount alongside Casemiro could also allow Joshua Zirkzee to fit in as a number 10, providing a new attacking dimension to the team.
United's next seven games will be a crucial test of the team's resolve and Amorim's tactical acumen. The fixtures are as follows:
As the injury situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain - Amorim will need to be creative and innovative in his team selection and tactics if United is to navigate this challenging period successfully. With the right approach, the Red Devils can overcome the loss of their talismanic captain and continue to push for success in the Premier League and beyond.
Original: BBC Sport
Image: BBC Sport
Written by Npsports
