Will Fernandes miss five games?
- Published
Sources have said privately they believe Bruno Fernandes will return for the Manchester derby with City at Old Trafford on 17 January, which would mean a five-match absence.
It is a huge blow at a time when key attackers Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Kobbie Mainoo, Fernandes' obvious replacement, is also missing with a calf injury.
"It is impossible to replace Bruno," said Amorim. "I said that this morning to the team.
"We need to take the good thing, if there is a good thing on that - a lot of people need to step up."
Fernandes has had a remarkable fitness record since his arrival from Sporting in January 2020.
In the intervening six years, he has only missed two games through injury and one more due to illness, meaning his current absence will be by far his longest during his time with the Old Trafford club, even if it is not as bad as initial concerns about a six-week absence.
Read Simon's feature on how Man Utd may play without Fernandes