Mainoo, Mount, Martinez: How will Amorim replace Fernandes?

Manchester United: Who Ruben Amorim could turn to to replace the injured Bruno Fernandes Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes is set to miss 'some games' after suffering an injury against Aston Villa; Fernandes has been ever-present for Man Utd since joining; watch Man Utd vs Newcastle on Sky Sports Premier League on Boxing Day, kick-off 8pm Image:Manuel Ugarte has previous experience working under Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP Image:Manuel Ugarte failed to impress against Aston Villa Wednesday 24 December 2025 07:25, UK For the first time since he joined in 2020, Manchester United face the prospect of losing the talismanic Bruno Fernandes through injury for a sustained period of time. Fernandes was replaced at half-time during the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa after suddenly pulling up late in the first-half. United boss Ruben Amorim clarified after the game that his captain had suffered soft tissue damage and that he would miss 'some games.' It's a bitter blow for the Red Devils ahead of a busy period that could define their season. Every statistic under the sun shows just how valuable the 31-year-old is at Old Trafford. That matters little now, as Amorim and his coaching staff will need to do their best to fill Fernandes' void in the middle of the park. A selection of Sky Sports' digital journalists have had a look at what options the United boss has. Man Utd news & transfers 🔴 | FREE Man Utd PL highlights ▶️ Got Sky? Watch Man Utd games LIVE on your phone 📱 Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺 🔔 Choose the Sky Sports push notifications you want! Mainoo's time to shine? Most, if not all Manchester United fans will be thinking that this is the opportunity for Kobbie Mainoo to prove his worth to Ruben Amorim. From scoring the winning goal in the 2024 FA Cup final and representing England at that year's European Championships, the midfielder finds himself without a Premier League start this season. It has led to speculation that he could depart the Theatre of Dreams, on loan or permanently, as frustration over game time grows. Unexpectedly, the door has now opened. With Fernandes out, there is no chance Amorim lets Mainoo go in January. And having insisted that the club captain is who the academy graduate is competing with for a place in the team, it seems only logical that he will finally be handed his opportunity. That won't be against Newcastle though, as Amorim confirmed he will likely miss out with a calf injury that also saw him left out of the squad against Villa. He'll be hoping one of the other alternative options doesn't lay claim to the spot before he even has a chance to. Callum Bishop Mount to drop deeper? Mason Mount has started Manchester United's last three Premier League games. Into his third season as a United player, this is only the second time that he has been on...

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