Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has ruled out four key personnel for the upcoming Premier League fixture against Newcastle United at Old Trafford. During a media briefing on Tuesday, December 24, the Portuguese tactician verified that the Red Devils will face the Magpies without several regular starters following a bruising encounter with Aston Villa.
The most significant blow involves club captain Bruno Fernandes, who sustained a muscle injury during the team’s recent 2-1 defeat and will not recover in time for the festive match.
Beyond the loss of their skipper, Amorim noted that the squad’s defensive depth remains severely compromised. Center-backs Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt continue to occupy the treatment room, while teenage midfield sensation Kobbie Mainoo has also failed to regain fitness. These collective absences force the coaching staff to explore alternative tactical setups as they aim to avoid a repeat of their Matchday 17 disappointment.
“No, not for this game. 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,” Amorim said when reporters questioned him on the availability of his star midfielders.
The manager’s update comes as United looks to climb back into European contention during the busy holiday schedule. Supporters expect a significant reshuffle in the starting lineup, with younger talent potentially stepping into the void created by this latest injury wave. The clash remains the only Premier League fixture scheduled for December 26, placing a massive spotlight on how Amorim navigates his first major injury crisis in Manchester.
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