Amorim says Fernandes will be out for 'a while'
Ruben Amorim conceded Bruno Fernandes could be facing a long injury lay-off, after being forced off during Manchester United's loss to Aston Villa.
However, the big talking point from United's point of view was Fernandes's half-time substitution after he had pulled up holding his hamstring prior to Rogers' 45th-minute opener.
On what was his 292nd start for United, Fernandes was substituted at half-time of a game for just the third time – previously against Tottenham (October 2020) and Real Sociedad (February 2021).
In an interview earlier this week, Fernandes had said he was "always available" for United, having only missed 17 games in all competitions since his debut.
Amorim suspects he could be without his captain for the busy festive period.
"I think it's soft tissue [Fernandes' injury], so it's going to be a while. We'll see," 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 [Jack] Fletcher did his first game, so that is good news. [Shea] Lacey the same, so we will try to find solutions and go to the next game.
"I am a manager for six years, and even Sporting [CP] is all about the academy, so it's about the history. Every manager wants to bring players through from the academy and not spend money because this gives value to the manager.
"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 replaced by Lisandro Martinez, who played as a makeshift midfielder in the second half as United contend with absences.
Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Casemiro missed the trip to Villa Park through suspension. Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are also on their injury list.
