Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was limping heavily yesterday, could be out of next month’s derby | OneFootball

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was limping heavily when he was out with friends on Monday evening, according to the Sun.

The Man United star was forced off at half-time against Aston Villa on Sunday, and he has confirmed he will not be available against Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

The Old Trafford club now fear they could be without Fernandes for next month’s Manchester derby due to the hamstring injury.

The Red Devils midfielder is expected to miss the Premier League games against Newcastle, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United and Burnley.

The FA Cup third round game against Brighton & Hove Albion and the derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17 will also come too soon for him.

Man United take on Arsenal on January 25, and the trip to London has been identified as his potential return date.

It is a massive blow for the Red Devils as Fernandes has never missed more than two games in a row since joining the club, and manager Ruben Amorim faces a significant selection headache.

The Portuguese has been his best player this term, with five goals and seven assists to his name in 17 Premier League appearances.

With Kobbie Mainoo also currently ruled out with a calf injury, Amorim has only Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro as his centre midfield options.

The Man United boss is also without Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui due to the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

The Red Devils cannot afford any more injuries, and Amorim will be praying that Fernandes and others return sooner rather than later.

The defeat to Villa on Sunday was their second league loss in 11 games, and they need to return to winning ways to boost their chances of playing in the Champions League next term.