The 2025/26 Premier League season will kick off its 18th round of matches on Boxing Day, with Manchester United hosting Newcastle United at Old Trafford. At a press conference, Amorim stated that although captain Bruno Fernandes will be sidelined for several weeks due to a muscle injury, he remains confident the team can handle the challenge and encouraged other players to step up and take responsibility.

Manchester United suffered a 1-2 defeat to Aston Villa in the last round of the Premier League, thanks to a goal from Cunha. Notably, 31-year-old Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes was substituted due to injury during the match.

After a record of 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss in the last 5 rounds, Manchester United are currently 7th in the standings with 26 points, 3 points behind 4th-placed Chelsea.

Regarding Bruno Fernandes' absence, Manchester United manager Morin said, "We have other players, and maybe we need to try different ways of playing. I think Jack Fletcher played very well, so when there are opportunities like these, we need to give space to players like Jack Fletcher and other young players, and we will find solutions to deal with the game."

“Everything is normal. They are a group of very good young players. They have shown a very good attitude in the last few weeks. I don’t feel that they are different because they have played for Manchester United. They are very focused, preparing for the game seriously, and believing in themselves. It’s a good feeling, so what I have seen in the last few weeks is no different.”

We must cultivate more leaders

Amorim continued, "I think Bruno is irreplaceable, and I've told the team that. But we need to see the positive side. If there's anything positive, it's that many people have to step up and take responsibility."

“If you look closely, he is also very crucial in both attacking organization and set pieces, and sometimes he is the one orchestrating the team. This is an opportunity for everyone to step up and realize that we cannot rely on one player for everything. Sometimes, we do rely too much on Bruno Fernandes in terms of organization and creation.”

Regarding the leadership of veteran players, Amorim said, "We lost Bruno Fernandes on set pieces, as well as Mbomo and Diallo. This had a big impact on the team, but it was also an opportunity for other players to step up and demonstrate the leadership we needed. Bruno Fernandes understands every position on the pitch; he pays attention to every detail, set pieces and substitutions; he's always the one telling his teammates where to stand."

“But it’s a really good opportunity for players like Lisandro and Luke Shaw. We need to develop more leaders in this team, because this could happen to Bruno Fernandes as well. It’s not common, but it can happen. So it’s an important opportunity for the other players.”