Ruben Amorim provides update on Bruno Fernandes injury in major blow to Manchester United | OneFootball

Ruben Amorim is facing a worryingly growing injury list which now includes the Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes who was subbed off the pitch at half-time during the Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

Fernandes, who is arguably United’s most important player, was involved in much of the first half action at Villa Park but caused concern just before half-time by stretching out his right leg and hobbling around the pitch.

The skipper looked in pain as he headed down the tunnel during the break and did not come back onto the field instead being replaced by Lisandro Martinez - himself having just returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Amorim spoke to Sky Sports after the match, which Villa won 2-1, and provided a concerning update on his captain. He said: "It is really strange. During this year, especially at this time, we have so many problems, but we have to cope with that.

"I think it's soft tissue so it's going to take a while. We'll see."

Amorim also spoke about academy players Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey who were given minutes against Villa and may need to step into vacant roles. The manager added: “I think Fletcher did his first game, so that is good news, Lacey the same, so we will try to find solutions and go for the next game. I am a manager for six years and even Sporting is all about the academy, so it's about the history.

“I just want to win and want to be certain that the players that come in from the academy are not going to suffer too much. I'm just trying to help the club, it doesn't matter if it's from the academy or abroad.”

Fernandes was seen walking to the dug out after the second half kicked off but was limping and moving gingerly before taking his place in the stands.

Diogo Dalot explained how the loss of Fernandes impacted the team telling Sky Sports: “It’s massive, we don’t know how bad it is but for him to come off the game… We know how tough he is, hopefully it is not too bad, and we keep with him for the next games.

“This is the times where opportunities come for other players. The time that you step up and show that you deserve to be in the team, that you deserve more minutes. I think that’s how the players that are going to get opportunities should look at it.”

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Bruno Fernandes is the latest addition to Manchester United's injury list (AFP via Getty Images)

Fernandes is the latest member of the United squad to pick up an injury and now there are serious concerns for Amorim’s midfield as Martinez was brought on to play alongside Manuel Ugarte.

Ahead of the game at Villa Park, Kobbie Mainoo was left out of the matchday squad with a calf injury picked up during training on Saturday.

Defenders Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt also missed the match with respective thigh and back problems while Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are all on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro missed the Villa clash due to suspension but should be available for the next game against Newcastle on Boxing Day.

That game begins a run of four matches in 13 days for Manchester United and should they be without their captain it could seriously hurt their chances of finishing inside the top six Premier League spots.