Ruben Amorim expects Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes to be out for ‘a while’ after picking up a hamstring injury at Aston Villa.
Fernandes was substituted at half-time during the 2-1 defeat at Villa Park, after picking up a soft tissue issue.
The Portugal international’s injury is a big blow, with Amorim’s options already depleted by the absence of Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui, with the trio at the Africa Cup of Nations.
United next face Newcastle at Old Trafford on Boxing Day and are set to be without the influential midfielder. Amorim gave a pessimistic update on the player’s problem, admitting he expects to be without Fernandes for some time. Amid a thin squad, Amorim handed Premier League debuts to Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey at Aston Villa.
“It is really strange. During this year, especially at this time, we have so many problems, but we have to cope with that,” Amorim said to Sky Sports about Fernandes’ injury.
“I think Fletcher did his first game, so that is good news, Lacey the same, so we will try to find solutions and go for the next game.
“I am a manager for six years and even Sporting 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.
“I think it’s soft tissue [Fernandes injury] so it’s going to be a while. We’ll see.”
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