Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has called on his players to shoulder greater responsibility in the absence of injured captain Bruno Fernandes, insisting there is no simple solution to replacing the influence of the Portuguese midfielder.
Fernandes went off injured at half-time during United’s 2–1 defeat to Aston Villa before Christmas, immediately sparking concerns over the extent of the problem. Amorim did little to downplay those fears after the match, admitting the midfielder would need “a while” to recover as he began his rehabilitation.
Fernandes subsequently underwent a series of tests to assess the severity of the injury, and while the club are yet to make the findings public, reports have suggested the Manchester derby on January 17 has been pencilled in as a possible return date.
Meanwhile, Amorim has stressed that Fernandes’ absence must be addressed collectively, urging the rest of the squad to raise their levels and fill the leadership and creative void left by their influential captain.
“It’s impossible to replace Bruno but I said that this morning to the team,” said Amorim.
“I think we need to take the good thing, if there is a good thing about that, [and say] a lot of people need to step up.
“And it’s not just the creation but every set piece, Bruno is the guy that is organizing the team. And that is a good opportunity for everyone to step up and to understand that we cannot rely on one player for everything.
“Sometimes we rely on Bruno in the organisation, in the creation. We have now lost Bruno in set pieces. We lost Bryan and Amad in set-pieces. This is massive for the team but it’s an opportunity for other players to step up and to show the leadership that we need in the team.”
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
