Amorim believes MU can win even without Bruno Fernandes

In a pre-match interview ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League clash with Newcastle, coach Ruben Amorim expressed confidence in his players despite the absence of captain Bruno Fernandes due to injury.

At this moment, Coach Ruben Amorim is facing a significant shortage of personnel for various reasons. Recently, MU is expected to face even greater challenges without their captain Bruno Fernandes – the Red Devils' most creative player who has generated 51 chances this season. The Portuguese international suffered a soft tissue injury in the 1-2 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, and although Amorim believes he will return soon, he has urged his players to perform better to compensate for the gap in the attack.

Amorim’s stance is very clear: "No one can replace Bruno, I have told the whole team that. If there is any positive aspect here, it is that everyone needs to rise up and realize we cannot rely on any single player, even though sometimes we depend on Bruno Fernandes for organizing and creativity. That’s something we should not and cannot do right now. Currently, MU has lost Bruno Fernandes for set-piece situations, and so have Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, so this is a big loss for the team. However, this is also an opportunity for other players to show the leadership qualities the team needs to get through this period. Everyone must roll up their sleeves to help the club achieve the best possible results."

When asked what MU will miss most without Bruno Fernandes, the Portuguese tactician immediately stated: "Everything. He understands every position on the field, pays attention to every detail; in every set-piece situation with substitutions, he is always the one reminding teammates where to stand. That’s not easy to find in other players. But this is a great opportunity for players like Licha (Lisandro Martinez), Luke Shaw, and everyone else. We need to step up to have more leaders in the squad.

Bruno Fernandes’ absence is rare but possible, so this is a big chance for others. MU has players who might need to be tested in different playing styles and positions. We will find solutions to compete in the coming period."

Currently, Manchester United sits seventh on the Premier League table, three points behind the Champions League qualification spots for next season. After Newcastle, Amorim’s team will face bottom-placed Wolves, then Leeds, Burnley, and Brighton. This will be a good opportunity to aim for maximum points before facing tougher challenges against title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal.

Although Man United has only won two of their last eight matches, coach Amorim remains confident and determined: "I believe MU can win any match. That is certain. Of course, we have some issues, but even with many key players missing right now, I still trust the team and think we can get three points. Although things are harder, I have faith in my players. If we truly focus, we can overcome everything."