Manchester United head into their Premier League clash against Newcastle without Bruno Fernandes and three other first-team stars
Bruno Fernandes has been ruled out for Manchester United vs Newcastle through injury(Image: (Photo by Ryan Browne/Shutterstock))
Manchester United are expected to be without seven players for their Premier League clash against Newcastle United. Ruben Amorim’s side will compete in the only game scheduled for Boxing Day as they host the Magpies at Old Trafford.
Aston Villa beat United last weekend, but arguably the bigger blow coming out of that clash was the injury suffered by Bruno Fernandes. With Casemiro suspended, and Kobbie Mainoo picking up a minor issue in training, Lisandro Martinez was deployed in midfield.
United are also depleted at centre-back with Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt out injured. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui are also currently unavailable, as they are all participating in AFCON.
One minor positive is that Newcastle are also without a number of key players, particularly in defence. With that being said, MEN Sport has rounded up the latest updates on United’s injured stars and when they could return.
Bruno Fernandes
The United club captain was forced off with a hamstring injury in last weekend’s defeat to Villa. He was able to carry on for five or so minutes, but ultimately came off at half-time. He has been ruled out of their Boxing Day clash.
What Amorim has said: “Not for this game. They are recovering. I don’t think that it is going to take a lot of time. Kobbie is going to return faster than Bruno. I don’t want to say [how long for Bruno]. I have an idea, of course, but let’s see.”
Potential return date: Leeds United (A) – Sunday, January 4
Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo was a surprising omission from the group that headed to Villa Park. Amorim later revealed it was due to injury.
What Amorim has said: “Not for this game. They are recovering. I don’t think that it is going to take a lot of time. Kobbie is going to return faster than Bruno. I don’t want to say [how long for Bruno]. I have an idea, of course, but let’s see.”
Kobbie Mainoo picked up an injury earlier this month(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Potential return date: Wolves (H) – Tuesday, December 30.
Matthijs de Ligt
De Ligt has been absent for United’s last four matches because of a back injury. Amorim has missed the Dutchmen over the last few weeks with Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro somewhat struggling.
What Amorim has said: “We are still working with them, they are not available for this one. Let’s see for the next one.”
Potential return date: N/A.
Harry Maguire
During the 2-2 draw against Tottenham before the November international break, Maguire was forced off. He has not featured for United since then.
What Amorim has said: “We are still working with them, they are not available for this one. Let’s see for the next one.”
Potential return date: N/A.
AFCON absences: Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Noussair Mazraoui
Three United players are representing their respective nations at AFCON. Noussair Mazraoui’s Morocco, as the host country, kicked off the tournament with a victory over Comoros.
On Christmas Eve, Amad scored the decisive goal for Ivory Coast against Mozambique. Later that day, Bryan Mbeumo assisted Cameroon’s winning goal versus Gabon.
With all three winning, it will likely delay their returns to Old Trafford.
Potential return date: N/A.