Manager backs young players to feature in the duo’s absence
Ruben Amorim has confirmed Manchester United will be without Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo for their Boxing Day meeting with Newcastle.
United return to Old Trafford on Friday night looking to respond to Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, a result that left them three points outside the top four. The setback at Villa Park came with an added cost after Fernandes was withdrawn at half-time with a hamstring issue, while Mainoo missed the trip entirely having picked up a problem during training.
Asked whether either midfielder would be available to face Newcastle, Amorim said: “No, not for this game, they are recovering. I don’t think it will take a lot of time. I think Kobbie will return faster than Bruno.
“I don’t want to say [how long]. I have an idea, of course, but let’s see. We have other players, we need to maybe see different ways of playing.”
Fernandes has been central to United’s play this season and his absence further limits Amorim’s options in a busy winter schedule.
The situation is compounded by defensive injuries, with Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt also ruled out.
“We are still working with them,” Amorim said of the centre-backs. “They are not available for this one, but let’s see for the next one.”
With senior players missing, Amorim will have to lean on youth. Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey both made their senior debuts as substitutes against Villa, and the United manager suggested further opportunities could follow.
“I think Jack Fletcher did a very good job, and that’s why when we have these opportunities, we need to give space to guys like Jack and the other ones,” he said.
Amorim also praised the attitude of the academy pair since joining the first-team.
“They are normal, they are good kids,” United’s boss said. “The behaviour they have shown during this week is really good. I don’t have the feeling that they were a little bit different because I played them for Manchester United.
“They are really focused. They are preparing for the game and they believe that they can play.”
