Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has called on his squad to "step up" in the wake of a mounting injury crisis, particularly with Bruno Fernandes sidelined for their upcoming Boxing Day clash against Newcastle United. The Portuguese midfielder sustained a muscle injury during the match against Aston Villa, forcing him off at halftime.
Fernandes' absence is a significant blow for United, as he has been an almost ever-present figure in the team since joining in January 2020. In fact, he has only missed a handful of games due to injury or illness throughout his career. Amorim acknowledged the difficulty of replacing a player of Fernandes' caliber, stating, "It is impossible to replace Bruno". He highlighted Fernandes' importance in organizing the team, creating chances, and his expertise in set-piece situations.
Adding to United's woes, Kobbie Mainoo is also unavailable for the Newcastle game due to a calf injury. Amorim confirmed that Mainoo is expected to return sooner than Fernandes. Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are also out, though they may return for the match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 30.
Despite the setbacks, Amorim has challenged other players to seize the opportunity and demonstrate leadership. He specifically mentioned Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw as players who need to "step up" in Fernandes' absence. Amorim stressed that the absence of key players provides a chance for the team to develop collective responsibility and not rely on one individual.
Amorim remains confident in his team's ability to secure a victory against Newcastle, despite the injury concerns. He stated, "I am confident we can win any game" and emphasized the importance of focus and belief in the team. He acknowledged that while the situation is more difficult, he trusts his players to rise to the occasion.
Looking ahead, Fernandes is expected to be out of action for approximately one month, potentially keeping him off the pitch until late January. This means he could miss crucial matches against Wolves, Leeds United, Burnley, Brighton (FA Cup), and Manchester City. His return could potentially be against Arsenal on January 25.
Manchester United and Newcastle have met several times in the past, including a memorable encounter in the UEFA Europa League 2004/05 season where Sporting CP won 4-1. In their head-to-head history, Sporting CP has won one match, Newcastle also won one match and one match ended in a draw.
As Manchester United prepares to face Newcastle on Boxing Day, the focus will be on whether the team can overcome their injury challenges and demonstrate the leadership and resilience that Amorim is urging. The game will be a test of character for the squad, and a chance for players to step out of the shadows and make a name for themselves.
