Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has confirmed that neither Bruno Fernandes nor Kobbie Mainoo will be available for the Boxing Day Premier League clash against Newcastle United, dealing a significant blow to an already depleted squad. While Amorim stopped short of providing definitive timelines, he did indicate that Mainoo is expected to return sooner than the club captain.
Fernandes’ absence is particularly damaging. The Portuguese midfielder was forced off at half-time during United’s recent defeat to Aston Villa after picking up an injury in the first half. Despite attempting to play through the pain, Fernandes did not re-emerge after the break, with a Morgan Rogers double sealing all three points for Villa. For United, the loss went beyond the result, as their most influential outfield player joined a growing injury and availability list.
Mainoo, meanwhile, suffered his setback in training on the eve of the Villa game. The teenager has been one of United’s brightest performers this season, and his absence has further reduced Amorim’s midfield options at a time when fixtures are piling up. Speaking ahead of the Newcastle game, Amorim was clear.
“No, not for this game [Newcastle], they are recovering. I don’t think it will take a lot of time, I think Kobbie will return faster for Bruno,” he said.
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Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo Injury crisis leaves Amorim short on options
The timing could hardly be worse for Manchester United. Fernandes has been a near-constant presence since joining from Sporting CP in January 2020. The 31-year-old has missed just nine of United’s 221 league matches in that period, underlining both his durability and his importance. Before the injury at Villa Park, Fernandes had completed the full 90 minutes in the majority of league games this season and had already contributed five goals and seven assists across competitions.
Without him, United lose their primary creative outlet, their on-field leader, and the player around whom much of their attacking structure is built. Amorim is also without Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui and Amad Diallo, all of whom are away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Fernandes’ injury adds to that strain, forcing United to rethink both personnel and tactical approach.
United’s upcoming schedule offers little respite. After hosting Newcastle on Boxing Day, they face Wolverhampton Wanderers four days later, before away trips to Leeds United and Burnley. An FA Cup tie against Brighton & Hove Albion on January 11 follows, before the Manchester derby against Manchester City on January 17. Whether Fernandes can return in time for that high-stakes encounter remains uncertain.
“I don’t want to say,” Amorim admitted when asked if his skipper could be back for the derby. “I have an idea, of course, but let’s see.”
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Manchester United injury crisis opens door for fringe players
There is, however, a small boost ahead of Boxing Day. Casemiro returns from suspension after missing the Villa defeat due to an accumulation of yellow cards. His presence will add experience and steel to a midfield that has been stretched thin in recent weeks. Manuel Ugarte is also expected to continue after being handed a rare start at Villa Park.
Amorim has not ruled out creative solutions. Lisandro Martinez, primarily a centre-back, was used in midfield after coming off the bench at Villa, while teenage midfielder Jack Fletcher made his Premier League debut and impressed with his composure.
“We have other players, we need to maybe see different ways of playing,” Amorim said. “I think Jack Fletcher did a very good job, and that’s why when we have these opportunities, we need to give space to guys like Jack and the other ones.”
The injury list extends beyond midfield. Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt both missed Sunday’s game with fitness issues and will also sit out the Newcastle clash. “We are still working with them. They are not available for this one, but let’s see for the next one,” Amorim said.
For Manchester United, Boxing Day now represents more than just another league fixture. It is an early test of Amorim’s adaptability and squad depth, with the absence of Fernandes and Mainoo threatening to expose structural weaknesses at a crucial point in the season. How United cope without their captain could define their festive run and shape momentum heading into the new year.
