Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that captain Bruno Fernandes will be sidelined for several weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained during the recent 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa. British media reports suggest the Portuguese playmaker could miss up to five matches, with a potential return targeted for the Manchester Derby on January 17, 2026. This month-long absence marks a significant milestone in the career of a player famously known for his "iron-man" durability.

This injury is statistically the most severe of Fernandes' professional career. Since joining Manchester United from Sporting CP in January 2020, his availability has been almost perfect; he has missed only two matches due to injury, both occurring in May 2024 because of a knee problem. Beyond that, his only other absences were due to minor illnesses—one at Sampdoria in 2017 and one at United in 2022. For a player who has consistently featured in over 50 games per season for club and country, a month-long layoff is uncharted territory.

Amorim described Fernandes as "impossible to replace," noting that his leadership and tactical organization on set pieces are as vital as his creative output. With United also losing key attackers Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo to the Africa Cup of Nations and Kobbie Mainoo sidelined with a calf injury, the squad depth will be severely tested. The manager has urged other leaders like Lisandro Martínez and Luke Shaw to step up as United navigates a congested festive schedule without their talismanic captain.