Image Credits: Imago Images
Manchester United have a major issue ahead of them as in a matter of days, their squad has been significantly depleted.
Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are all off representing their international sides at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Kobbie Mainoo suffered a calf injury ahead of the Aston Villa game, ruling him out of action just as he had a chance to fight for a spot in the side.
However the most impactful loss is with Bruno Fernandes who has been ruled out for a moth after coming off against Villa.
Since joining United in 2020, Fernandes has only missed three games through injury, now being set to miss more games in the next month than in the last five years combined.
Given that he is the club’s driving force, with regular goals and assists when needed, it’s a major blow for United.
Thankfully though, Ruben Amorim does have one of his stars returning for the Boxing Day game against Newcastle United as Casemiro is re-joining the squad.
The Brazil international was ruled out of the trip to Villa Park through suspension, having picked up five yellow cards this season.
Earlier in the campaign he also missed a game against Brentford, having been sent off in The Red Devils’ 2-1 win over Chelsea where he scored the winner.
Having Casemiro return to the squad is vital for Ruben Amorim who, in Mainoo and Fernandes’ absence, only has Manuel Ugarte to turn to as a senior midfielder.
Lisandro Martinez replaced Fernandes at Villa Park, with academy graduate Jack Fletcher making his debut for the club, coming on further up the pitch.
With Toby Collyer out on loan with West Bromwich Albion, Amorim now has limit options in the middle of the pitch, making Casemiro essential for United.
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