Bruno Fernandes among seven Man Utd players absent for Newcastle game | OneFootball

Manchester United will be without Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire and Mathjis de Ligt through injury for the Boxing Day clash with Newcastle.

Captain Fernandes was forced off in the defeat to Aston Villa with a muscular injury.

Mainoo, meanwhile, missed the game after picking up a knock in training.

“They are recovering,” Amorim said on the duo.

“I don’t think it will take a lot of time. I think Kobbie will return faster than Bruno.”

Asked how long he thinks Fernandes could be out for, Amorim added: “I don’t want to say. I have an idea, of course, but let’s see.

“It’s impossible to replace Bruno, but I said that this morning to the team.

“We need to take the good thing, if there is a good thing. A lot of people need to step up. It’s a good opportunity for everyone to step up and understand that we cannot rely on one guy for everything.

“Sometimes we rely on him for organisation and creation. It’s a chance for other players to step up and show the leadership that we need in the team.”

On Maguire and de Ligt, Amorim added: “We are still working with them, they are not available for this one. Let’s see for the next one.”

United are also without Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, who are at the Africa Cup of Nations.

“We have some problems but I believe in this team,” Amorim added. “I trust my players.”