Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been dealt a severe injury setback ahead of the festive fixture list, confirming four key players will miss the Boxing Day clash with Newcastle United.
Key quartet ruled out of Old Trafford encounter
The Red Devils welcome Newcastle to Old Trafford on Friday night for the Premier League's sole Boxing Day fixture, but they will be significantly weakened. The influential Bruno Fernandes is expected to be sidelined for around a month after hobbling off with a muscular injury during Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
Amorim delivered the grim update during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon, also revealing that young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo remains out with a calf issue. In defence, the absences continue as experienced campaigners Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are still not ready to return from their respective injuries.
Amorim's assessment and potential replacements
When asked directly about the availability of Fernandes and Mainoo for the Newcastle game, Amorim was clear. "No, not for this game," he stated. "They are recovering. I don't think that it is going to take a lot of time. Kobbie is going to return faster than Bruno."
The manager was more guarded on a specific timeline for his captain, adding, "I don't want to say [how long Bruno will be out]. I have an idea of course, but let's see." Regarding his missing central defenders, he noted, "We are still working with them, they are not available for this one. Let's see for the next one."
Faced with replacing one of the league's standout performers in Fernandes, Amorim hinted at tactical adjustments and faith in his squad. "We have other players, we need to maybe see different ways of playing," he explained. He pointed to Jack Fletcher as a potential beneficiary, saying, "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."
Manager maintains belief despite selection crisis
Despite the mounting injury concerns, the United boss expressed confidence in his remaining players to secure a result against Eddie Howe's side. "I am confident we can win any game," Amorim asserted. "Of course, we have some problems but I believe in the team even without many players in this moment I believe in the team and I believe that we can win any game."
He acknowledged the increased difficulty, concluding, "Of course, it is more difficult but, again, I trust in my players and if we are really focused in the game, we can win." The match at Old Trafford represents a critical opportunity for United to bounce back from their Villa Park disappointment and gather momentum during the busy festive schedule.
