Confirmed Man Utd team news vs Newcastle: Amorim rocked by four injury absences, gives update on Fernandes
Manchester United are set to host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Friday.
United head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed the grim team news ahead of the Boxing Day showdown.
Amorim said in his pre-match press conference (via ManUtd.com): “No, not for this game (possible return of Mainoo and Fernandes).
“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 Bruno will be out]. I have an idea of course, we will see.”
“We are still working with them (Maguire and De Ligt), they are not available for this one.”
The Red Devils head into the clash in a testing period, with several senior figures unavailable at a critical point in the season.
Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui remain away on Africa Cup of Nations duty and are unlikely to return before mid-January.
Maguire has been sidelined since picking up a thigh injury in the 2–2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur early last month.
The England international has not featured since, leaving United short of experience at the back.
Matthijs de Ligt has missed the last four games due to a back injury.
Kobbie Mainoo suffered a calf injury, joining the centre-back duo on the treatment table.
Bruno Fernandes endured a worrying hamstring injury during the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
His absence presents Amorim with one of his toughest selection headaches since arriving at Old Trafford.
Casemiro will return to the squad after serving his one-game suspension.
The Brazilian could be thrust straight back into the starting XI as United search for stability in midfield.
At the back, Amorim may once again be forced to field an inexperienced defensive trio of Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw.
Yoro has endured a baptism of fire this season, but the young defender will be desperate to rediscover his composure on the big stage.
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .