Manchester United to Miss Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo for Boxing Day Match Against Newcastle
Manchester United will be without key players Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo for their Boxing Day Premier League fixture against Newcastle United. Fernandes is sidelined due to a soft-tissue injury, while Mainoo is coping with a calf problem. Fernandes's absence is described by Bruno Amorim as impossible to replace, highlighting the challenge facing the team.
With Fernandes out and Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo away representing their countries at the African Cup of Nations, the squad also loses important set-piece options. Amorim has named Lisandro Martínez and Luke Shaw as potential leaders to step up in Fernandes's absence. Additionally, 18-year-old Jack Fletcher, who made his debut as a substitute against Aston Villa, could provide cover for both Fernandes and Mainoo.
Mainoo is expected to return faster than Fernandes, who will not be back in time for the Newcastle match, though no precise timeframe has been given for his return. The Boxing Day fixture will be United's only Premier League game on that day.
Amorim emphasized the need to explore different tactics and find solutions without relying on any single player as the team prepares for the challenge ahead.
