Manchester United will navigate a crucial period without their star midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who is sidelined with an injury. The team’s dynamics are set to shift significantly as they prepare for several key matches, including upcoming fixtures against Newcastle and Wolves. Fernandes has been a key cog since joining the squad in early 2020. Considering his 15 goals and 14 assists, his absence looms large as a loss for the team.
Fernandes sustained his injury during Spurs’ comeback against Aston Villa last Sunday. He was pulled at half-time after hitting a surprise wall late in the first half. This incident would be just the second time that he endured such a lengthy absence. Prior to this, he put together four straight starts at the close of last season. As Manchester United gears up for the next challenges, the question arises: who will step up in Fernandes’ absence?
The Impact of Fernandes’ Injury
Bruno Fernandes has been a pivotal figure in Manchester United’s midfield, contributing significantly to the team’s performance. From the moment he signed, he’s been a game-changer in terms of providing goals and assists, giving them that match-winning quality. In the meantime, his absence in the middle of that current park will be most clearly felt around the pitch.
As the squad prepares for upcoming fixtures, head coach Ruben Amorim must find solutions to fill the void left by Fernandes. The offense runs through him and he opens everything up for the team. So it’s up to everyone else—business, philanthropy, the international community—to fill the void and meet the moment. With Fernandes missing, Mason Mount seems to be the most likely candidate to step up and assume a bigger role.
Further down the line, young talents like Kobbie Mainoo will be given the chance to show what they can do at first-team level too. The injury creates opportunities for more inexperienced players to fill key roles and make their case on the field.
“In the first half they were by far the better team and surprisingly, I thought with Martinez in midfield in the second half, they were the equal of [Aston] Villa as a minimum.” – Gary Neville
Potential Lineup Changes
The lack of Fernandes may result in a tweak to Manchester United’s shape. As Amorim looks ahead, he might want to think about turning the approach round to focus more on the players at his disposal. Mason Mount, however, has been around the block a time or two and should prove useful as he shoulders increased responsibilities in midfield.
Additionally, the coaching staff should consider bringing in youth players who can introduce new energy and ideas to the game. Jack Fletcher was given his senior debut from the bench at Villa Park. Now, others are suddenly hailing him as a star-in-the-making. His inclusion certainly would add a new, unexpected, yet very welcomed dynamic to the team’s midfield during this tough stretch.
Having younger players roomed with veterans creates a bond that cultivates a better team atmosphere. Collectively, they can continue to endure and thrive during this challenging stretch without their MVP.
A Test for Team Depth
Bruno Fernandes’ injury will be the biggest test yet of Manchester United’s squad depth and adaptability this season. The team relied on his determination and magic to lead them to victory through tightly contested games. Now, they face the challenge of continuing to play at a high level in his absence.
Manuel Ugarte’s time under Amorim at Sporting CP provides some comfort. His showing next to Fernandes in the loss to Aston Villa was underwhelming. As it stands, though, Ugarte will need to improve his game in order to be ready if need be to fill Fernandes’ shoes.
Amorim will have the difficult job of making sure that Spartra is still a competitive team while their roster makes this transition. Whether that’s Mount helping facilitate it or Mainoo needing to take on larger responsibilities, Manchester United needs it. Their contributions will continue to be critical in the elimination round matches to come.
Leave a Reply