How could Man Utd replace injured Fernandes?

Manchester United

are facing a significant challenge after their captain, Bruno Fernandes, suffered an injury during the 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa. The Portuguese midfielder has been a key player for the team, featuring in 212 out of 221 Premier League games since joining from Sporting in January 2020.

Assessing the injury

Fernandes pulled up at the end of the first half and felt his hamstring, before continuing and coming off at the break. Manager Ruben Amorim is still evaluating the full extent of the injury, but it is likely that Fernandes will be out for an extended period. The bad news for Amorim is that United have lost the past four league games Fernandes has missed and five of the past six.

Exploring options

Amorim has a few options to replace Fernandes, but none of them are ideal. Kobbie Mainoo, who has featured 11 times in the league this season, is in direct competition with Fernandes and is unlikely to be fit to face Newcastle due to a calf problem. Manuel Ugarte or Lisandro Martinez could partner Casemiro, but neither of them have the creative qualities that would ideally fit in alongside the Brazilian midfielder.

A possible solution

Mason Mount could be an option to play alongside Casemiro, offering Joshua Zirkzee a chance to fit in as a number 10. Amorim feels Mount is better in the number 10 role, but needs must in an emergency. The England man has also played at wing-back, so the United head coach clearly admires his flexibility.

Young talent

Jack Fletcher, an 18-year-old England youth international, made his debut at Villa Park and has the attributes Amorim needs. Like his dad Darren, Fletcher has lots of energy and a good passing range. However, it would be asking a lot to put him into the cauldron of a Premier League game from the start.

System-first approach

Amorim’s system-first approach may help explain how he navigates the next few months. He has opted for a 3-2-4-1 shape that does not rely on having the majority of the ball. The midfield duo needs to be able to carry out passing routines and play through-balls over the top for attackers running in behind.

Conclusion

Manchester United are facing a significant challenge after Fernandes’ injury. Amorim has a few options to replace him, but none of them are ideal. The team will need to adapt to a new system and find a way to replace Fernandes’ creativity and energy.

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