Peter Schmeichel has sent a clear-cut message about Bruno Fernandes after the Manchester United captain’s setback against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday.
Ruben Amorim was dealt a major blow in the first half of Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over Manchester United after club captain Bruno Fernandes pulled up with an injury.
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Fernandes was able to see out the remainder of the first half for United, but the 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder did not feature in the remaining 45 minutes.
United manager Ruben Amorim withdrew the Portugal international at the break and Lisandro Martinez was deployed as a makeshift midfielder against Villa.
Amorim spoke about United captain Fernandes after the match and provided an immediate update on the Portugal international’s injury from Sunday’s match.
Premier League legend Peter Schmeichel reacts to Bruno Fernandes’ injury in Man Utd’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa
Manchester United have heavily relied on Bruno Fernandes since his arrival from Sporting CP in 2020, with the Portugal midfielder having a major impact at the club.
Fernandes has not only impressed with his influence on and off the pitch, but also the United skipper has held a solid track record for avoiding major injuries.
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However, Peter Schmeichel admitted that Ruben Amorim and Co now face a “massive problem” after losing Fernandes to injury in United’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa.
“That’s a problem for Manchester United,” he told Viaplay, as per the Metro.
“It is a problem, it’s a massive problem because he is the leader of the team, he’s the captain of the team.”
Peter Schmeichel on the role of Bruno Fernandes at Man Utd under Ruben Amorim
Fernandes’ influence has waned in parts of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign after the United captain was dropped into a deeper midfield role.
Amorim has used the former Sporting CP midfielder alongside Casemiro in the two-man midfield pivot for United ahead of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo.
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United legend Schmeichel has spotlighted that the Red Devils are not tapping into Fernandes’ full potential due to him playing out of his key role in the No 10 spot.
“We don’t see the best of him because he plays in a position that is not his prime position, if you like,” he added.
“He’s a better No 10 but the system doesn’t really have that position for him. They need him back there; he’s one of them [who] can help all the players around him.
“Without a shadow of a doubt, he’s been the best performer for Manchester United in the last many years.”
Fernandes has made 18 appearances across all competitions for United in the 2025-26 season and the midfielder has netted five times and registered seven assists.
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