Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has conceded that playmaker and captain Bruno Fernandes was ‘impossible to replace’, ahead of his team’s clash against Newcastle United on Boxing Day at Old Trafford. The 31-year-old sustained a hamstring injury during the match against Aston Villa and was substituted after the first 45 minutes. Amorim did not give a specific timeline for how long Fernandes could be out of action, but did reveal that the injury would not keep him out for a long time. “It is impossible to replace Bruno. I said that this morning to the team. We need to take the good thing, if there is a good thing on that – a lot of people need to step up,” Amorim said at the pre-match press conference. Amorim praised the Portuguese for his understanding of various positions on the football pitch, adding that Fernandes was the one guiding the players when a new player was substituted into the pitch. “It is not just the creation. At every set-piece he is the guy who is organising the team.” “He understands every position on the field, he pays attention to every detail. When you have a substitution, he is always the guy telling the other guys where they should be,” Amorim added. The former Sporting coach, however, said that despite United missing Fernandes as well as the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, who are away on AFCON duty, the others could step up and win games for the side.Story continues below this ad “I am confident we can win any game. Of course, we have some problems, but even without many players in this moment in time, I believe in the team and trust in my players. If we are really focused, we can win,” he said. United play Newcastle in the only fixture on Boxing Day. They are seventh on the table, with 26 points after 17 matches.
‘Impossible to replace’: Ruben Amorim praises Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes ahead of Boxing Day match against Newcastle United
