Manager Ruben Amorim says Manchester United players must step up in the absence of injured captain Bruno Fernandes, calling him “impossible to replace”.
MANCHESTER United manager Ruben Amorim has urged his players to step up in the absence of captain Bruno Fernandes.
The Portugal international sustained a soft tissue injury in Sunday’s 2-1 loss at Aston Villa.
Amorim believes the midfielder will return soon but is acutely aware of the need to fill the gap in United’s attack.
Fernandes has started every Premier League match this season and is the division’s most creative player with 51 chances created.
United will also be without Kobbie Mainoo for Friday’s home clash with Newcastle.
“It is impossible to replace Bruno but I said that this morning to the team,” Amorim told a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
He said it was an opportunity for many people to step up and understand the team cannot rely on one player for everything.
Amorim noted the team has lost Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo on set-pieces, which is a massive loss.
He said it is an opportunity for other players to step up and show the leadership the team needs.
Asked what United would miss most without Fernandes’s leadership, Amorim replied “Everything”.
He explained Fernandes understands every position on the field and pays attention to every detail.
Amorim said this is a very good opportunity for players like Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw to become more prominent leaders.
The manager added the team must find different ways of playing and highlighted Jack Fletcher’s good performance against Villa.
United are currently seventh in the table, three points adrift of the Champions League places.
After facing Newcastle, United play Wolves, Leeds, Burnley and Brighton.
They will look to pile up points ahead of back-to-back games against title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal.
United have won just two of their last eight league fixtures.
“I am confident we can win any game,” Amorim said.
He acknowledged having some problems but said he believes in the team even without many players currently.
Amorim stated it is more difficult but he trusts his players and believes they can win if really focused.
