With Bruno Fernandes ruled out for the foreseeable future, we take a look at how Manchester United could line up without their captain for their upcoming games.
How Could Manchester United Line Up Without Bruno Fernandes?
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is set for a period on the sidelines.
Fernandes suffered a hamstring injury during the Red Devils’ 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday, with Ruben Amorim confirming that the midfielder will ‘miss some games’.
Follow-up reports suggest that the 31-year-old could be out of action for over a month.
Should this be the case, he could miss up to six matches, including Newcastle (h), Wolves (h), Leeds (a), Burnley (a) and Manchester City (h) in the league and Brighton (h) in the FA Cup.
His absence adds to United’s long list of unavailable players, with Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui away at AFCON, while Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are injured.
Kobbie Mainoo, who would be the natural replacement for Fernandes in the starting lineup, is also suffering with injury and will reportedly miss Friday night’s clash against Newcastle.
With Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount listed as United’s only fit first-team midfielders, we’re taking a look at how Amorim could line up his side without Fernandes.
Drop Mason Mount Deep
The first and what looks to be the most likely option for Amorim would be to play Mason Mount in Fernandes’ number eight role alongside the returning Casemiro against Newcastle.
Mount has started United’s last three games as one of the two number 10s behind Benjamin Sesko and has impressed in the role with two goals in his last five Premier League matches.
But despite impressing as of late, Mount’s talents as an advanced midfielder may be sacrificed.
This is because he has the most similar profile to Fernandes out of any fit United midfielder, with his creative instincts making him the most likely replacement for the Portuguese.
Should Amorim opt to drop Mount deeper, Joshua Zirkzee will likely come in as one of the 10s.
Play Lisandro Martinez in Midfield
Another option would be to play Lisandro Martinez in midfield.
This is what Amorim opted for in the second half against Villa, with the Argentine doing a respectable job in the role despite naturally being a central or left-sided defender.
He also played in midfield from time to time at his previous club, Ajax.
However, it seems likelier that Martinez will return to the starting lineup as a defender, potentially in the middle of the back three instead of academy youngster Ayden Heaven.
Start Manuel Ugarte Alongside Casemiro
An option that is certain to be unpopular among fans is starting Ugarte alongside Casemiro.
The Uruguayan has been a major flop since arriving at Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain for £50m, and he clearly doesn’t have the qualities to deputise for Fernandes.
His passing is a key area of concern, with clips of his misplaced long balls against Aston Villa going viral among rival fans on social media earlier in the week.
United’s record with Ugarte starting doesn’t help his case either. The Red Devils have failed to win each of their last nine Premier League matches when the 24-year-old has started.
Turn to Academy Star Jack Fletcher
Finally, United could hand Jack Fletcher his maiden first-team start.
The youngster made his debut as a 73rd minute substitute at Villa Park over the weekend.
Amorim said after the match: “I think [Jack] Fletcher did his first game, so that is good news, [Shea] Lacey the same, so we will try to find solutions and go for the next game.”
It follows on from the Portuguese confirming that United will turn to the academy to help with the absences within their squad amid Mbeumo, Amad and Mazraoui departing for AFCON.
Fletcher, who is the son of former Red Devils midfielder Darren Fletcher, looks set to gain more first-team minutes across the coming weeks, but starting against Newcastle seems unlikely.
Given his lack of experience, being thrown into the lineup against Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton is a major risk, and one Amorim doesn’t seem likely to take.
