Bruno Fernandes is due a rest this weekend when Manchester United take on Watford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was coy about this after the City game, not wanting to give too much away.
Solskjaer told the club website: “He wants to play every game, Bruno. Of course, it’s a long season.
“Let’s see what team we come with on Saturday so I’ll have a chat with him about how he feels.
“
The United boss did add, “There will be a few changes”, a nod to the need to rotate ahead of two big Premier League games away to Burnley and Liverpool next week.
So hopefully Fernandes will get a rest, United have options to rotate and still expect a win against Championship side Watford.
Here is a look at three players who could come in to replace United’s top scorer…
Donny van de Beek
Donny van de Beek will surely be among United’s starters against Watford. Whether he features in Fernandes’ role is a little more uncertain.
Van de Beek’s versatility could see him utilised in a deeper midfield role, with Fred, Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba all starting the past two games.
Playing in an attacking role could be Van de Beek’s best position, but United do have alternatives here.
So long as he gets the start, Van de Beek should not be too worried about where he plays, after such a lack of minutes lately.
Jesse Lingard
If Van de Beek thinks he has it bad, Jesse Lingard’s troubles are a sign it could always be worse.
Lingard has not played for United since the end of September and was not even on the bench in midweek.
Still, if United want to change it up, Lingard could be the man to bring energy to the XI.
His future is still unclear and Lingard could be motivated to either force his way back in at United, or put himself in the shop window during an important month.
Juan Mata
While Lingard was not on the bench against City, Juan Mata was among the substitutes.
Mata had a run where he was playing frequently during October and November but has not featured much lately.
His last game came as a substitute in the mid-December win away at Sheffield United.
If United do line up with some inexperience like Mason Greenwood and Dan James in attack, Mata could provide the side with some balance.
- Man Utd now pushing ‘intensely’ to sign Bazoumana Toure this summer, Amad could play key role
- Forget Cristiano Ronaldo, Omar Berrada’s father felt Lionel Messi ‘reminded him’ of one Man Utd legend
- Paul Pogba pinpoints Michael Carrick’s biggest test as Man Utd manager for 2026-27 Premier League season
- Man Utd legend Roy Keane names his dark horse World Cup pick that ‘no-one has really mentioned’
- Wayne Rooney predicts two World Cup teams that will reach final out of three ‘favourites’ for tournament
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s vision is coming true as Man United make £38.5m saving
- Roy Keane has now become more ‘open-minded’ to two teams challenging France for 2026 World Cup trophy
- Matheus Cunha: Five things Man Utd fans should watch out for in Brazil star’s first-ever World Cup tournament
- Andre Onana has just received a brutal warning about his current career status
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
