Manchester United are not only going to miss Bruno Fernandes’ goals and assists, but also his leadership.
For the first time in his Manchester United career, Bruno Fernandes is facing a month out of action after suffering a hamstring injury against Aston Villa.
Ruben Amorim provided an update on Fernandes and ruled him out of the Boxing Day clash against Newcastle United, but refused to name when he could return.
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With Harry Maguire also injured, it means that United will be without their captain and vice-captain for the clash at Old Trafford.
Diogo Dalot was captain against Villa after Fernandes left the pitch, but Ruben Amorim has called on two others to step up and become leaders.
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Over the summer, it was confirmed that Amorim has created a six-man leadership group in the United dressing room to share the responsibility of leading the squad.
In his pre-match press conference before the Newcastle clash, Amorim called for his players to step up, especially Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez.
“He [Bruno] understands every position on the field, every detail and every set-piece; he is always the guy who is telling the other guys where they should be.
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“That is a very good opportunity for guys like Licha [Martinez] and Luke Shaw, all these guys, we need to step up to have more leaders in the group.”
Martinez starred in a midfield role against Villa, while Shaw has been playing well in a centre-back role this season.
Man United must prepare for life after Bruno Fernandes
Just days before his injury against Villa, Fernandes spoke about nearly being sold in the summer, with Amorim working hard to keep him at Old Trafford.
Fernandes turned down a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia in a huge show of loyalty to United, but talk of him leaving refuses to go away.
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At 31 years old, Fernandes is still in his prime, but the Portuguese playmaker is aware that he will soon be entering the twilight years of his career.
Ultimately, this next month will be a good test for how United cope without Fernandes, given he has been central to every success the Red Devils have had since he joined in 2020.
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