Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has issued a rallying call to his squad, urging them to embrace greater responsibility following the confirmation that captain Bruno Fernandes will be sidelined for a significant period.
Fernandes sustained a soft-tissue injury during the recent defeat at Aston Villa, joining the already injured Kobbie Mainoo on the treatment table. With the team preparing for their Boxing Day fixture against Newcastle United, Amorim acknowledged the unique challenge of compensating for his captain’s absence.
“Replacing Bruno is an impossible task,” Amorim stated. “But this situation presents an opportunity. It’s a moment for many within the group to step forward and show they can shoulder more. We cannot depend on a single individual for creativity, organization, and set-piece execution. This is a chance for others to grow into those roles.”
The manager emphasized that Fernandes’s influence extends far beyond scoring and assisting. He is a pivotal tactical organiser, particularly during dead-ball situations. Amorim pointed to the concurrent absence of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo at the Africa Cup of Nations as compounding the need for collective leadership.
“Bruno understands every detail on the pitch. When you lose that voice, others must speak up,” Amorim explained. “This is a perfect moment for experienced players like Lisandro Martínez and Luke Shaw to demonstrate their leadership. We need more voices, more organisers. While Bruno’s situation is uncommon, it highlights that we must be prepared.”
When pressed on timelines, Amorim confirmed neither Fernandes nor Mainoo would be available for the Newcastle match, though he suggested Mainoo’s return from a calf issue would come sooner. He declined to give a specific prognosis for his captain’s recovery.
In seeking solutions, Amorim indicated that tactical adjustments and squad depth would be key. He highlighted the positive debut of 18-year-old midfielder Jack Fletcher at Villa Park as an example of the internal options available.
“We have other players, and we may need to explore different tactical approaches,” he said. “Jack performed very well when given his chance. These circumstances create space for him and others to show they can be part of the solution. We will find a way.”