Ruben Amorim conceded Bruno Fernandes could be facing a long injury lay-off, after being forced off during Manchester United's loss to Aston Villa.
Morgan Rogers scored two stunning goals to secure Villa a 2-1 victory, with Matheus Cunha scoring United's lone goal in first-half stoppage time.
However, the big talking point from United's point of view was Fernandes' half-time substitution after he had pulled up holding his hamstring prior to Rogers' 45th-minute opener.
On what was his 292nd start for United, Fernandes was substituted at half-time of a game for just the third time – previously against Tottenham (October 2020) and Real Sociedad (February 2021).
In an interview earlier this week, Fernandes had said he was "always available" for United, having only missed 17 games in all competitions since his debut.
But Amorim suspects he could be without his captain for the busy festive period.
"I think it's soft tissue [Fernandes' injury], so it's going to be a while. We'll see," the Man Utd coach told Sky Sports.
"It is really strange. During this year, especially at this time, we have so many problems, but we have to cope with that.
"I think [Jack] Fletcher did his first game, so that is good news. [Shea] Lacey the same, so we will try to find solutions and go to the next game.
"I am a manager for six years, and even Sporting [CP] 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."
Fernandes was replaced by Lisandro Martinez, who played as a makeshift midfielder in the second half as United contend with absences.
Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Casemiro missed the trip to Villa Park through suspension. Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are also on their injury list.
Nahaciory
0
The problem is this coach doesn't want to take advice from no one
Zenborsz
0
Man united should replace bruno, it’s been very long time he his been here and won nothing
mozdeiry
0
Amorim you should leave MANU with this useless captain
Zoddelruyz
0
man united is dead
Luddkmpsuy
0
FREE KOBBIE MAINOO 🤭😜
He’s free enjoying his time at home. He need to remember this is United!
GunnArs
0
FREE KOBBIE MAINOO 🤭😜
pabbdosty
1
U must use Maino and believe in him, give him confidence and let him roar like a wounded lion. Mourinho once told their players that they are the world best… Encourage and utilized them well
The_Alpha13
0
He create chances but he need to learn how to not be selfish. United is not about him United is about the player uniting and from there we play better football but he always want to leave it to him that’s why I said United deserve so much better. Thanks man am also rooting for the Red too YWNA🔴
respect. 🙌
Luddkmpsuy
0
all good mate. no hate. I am a liverpool fan but I just felt like weighing in on the Fernandes topic. a lot of the times the team let him down because he creates a lot of chances but that Hojlund, Zirkzee and even Sesko waste a lot. but I do take your point though, United needs to evolve.
He create chances but he need to learn how to not be selfish. United is not about him United is about the player uniting and from there we play better football but he always want to leave it to him that’s why I said United deserve so much better. Thanks man am also rooting for the Red too YWNA🔴
The_Alpha13
0
If Fernandez is injured Utd are literally fucked
all good mate. no hate. I am a liverpool fan but I just felt like weighing in on the Fernandes topic. a lot of the times the team let him down because he creates a lot of chances but that Hojlund, Zirkzee and even Sesko waste a lot. but I do take your point though, United needs to evolve.
Luddkmpsuy
0
this is the first time to see Fernandes get injured seriously 😒
Obviously a fake injury but wish him well smh
Luddkmpsuy
0
it just sounds to me like you're under-valuing his importance in winning games. yes, United wins games without him but having him makes it a little easier. no player is bigger than any club but a man like Fernandes is a crucial piece in the team.
He’s going to be missed don’t get me wrong but I hate when players feel entitled to what you get paid for despite being poor in some aspects 2 Europa league slips off right on his site if he’s him he would have done better instead of going ghost. He’s important to the team yeah because we don’t have his replacement yet United deserve new site, vision United without him maybe we would have go for elite project with another player better than him and then we will see the world evolve around a player it’s about exploring that’s why I said United will be okay with or without him. No hate just facts🤝
Musahh5
2
this is the first time to see Fernandes get injured seriously 😒
niwaptuyz
0
they will be better
The_Alpha13
0
Sure he will be missed! Am just letting sums know that if we never had him in the club United will still be united that’s what am on man.
it just sounds to me like you're under-valuing his importance in winning games. yes, United wins games without him but having him makes it a little easier. no player is bigger than any club but a man like Fernandes is a crucial piece in the team.
Luddkmpsuy
0
Fernandes is easily the best player in the squad, what you on about? his presence will be missed.
Sure he will be missed! Am just letting sums know that if we never had him in the club United will still be united that’s what am on man.
The_Alpha13
0
Did you know a man name fucker? .With or without him United will still be united get that right man , as if we don’t loose with him a match lol
Fernandes is easily the best player in the squad, what you on about? his presence will be missed.
Luddkmpsuy
1
If Fernandez is injured Utd are literally fucked
Did you know a man name fucker? .With or without him United will still be united get that right man , as if we don’t loose with him a match lol
Orazulike
0
If Fernandez is injured Utd are literally fucked
Very fu*cked bro
pium
2
If Fernandez is injured Utd are literally fucked