Amorim urges Man United players to step up for irreplaceable captain Fernandes

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has called on his squad to raise their game while their vital captain Bruno Fernandes recovers from injury.

The Portuguese star picked up a minor muscle problem during the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday, and though Amorim expects him to return before long, he knows the team must adapt to the void in their forward line.

Fernandes has featured from the start in all Premier League outings this campaign and ranks as the divisions top creator with 51 opportunities made, yet United must also cope without Kobbie Mainoo in Fridays home fixture against Newcastle.

"Replacing Bruno is out of the question, but I made that clear to the lads this morning," Amorim stated during Wednesdays pre match briefing.

"The silver lining, if any exists, is that it pushes more players to contribute and realise we cannot depend on a single individual for all our needs.

"At times we lean on Bruno for structure and invention, plus we are missing him on dead balls along with some others, which hits us hard.

"Still, it opens doors for others to emerge and demonstrate the guidance the squad requires."

When pressed on what United would feel the absence of Fernandes leadership most keenly, the Portuguese coach responded: "Absolutely everything.

"He grasps every role across the pitch, notices the smallest things, and during set plays or changes, he is always directing where teammates should position themselves.

"Yet this presents a prime chance for players such as Licha (Lisandro Martinez) and Luke Shaw to take charge. We must develop additional leaders within the group since such scenarios can arise for Bruno.

"It does not happen often, but when it does, it is a golden moment for the rest.

"We possess other talents to explore alternative approaches. Jack Fletcher performed well when introduced versus Villa, so we should provide opportunities to him and similar prospects.

"We will discover ways to compete effectively."

United sit seventh in the standings, trailing the Champions League qualification spots by three points.

Following the Newcastle encounter, they tackle bottom dwelling Wolves, then Leeds, Burnley, and Brighton. The aim is to build momentum prior to tougher tests against frontrunners Manchester City and Arsenal in successive matches.

United have secured victory in only two of their previous eight league games, yet Amorim insisted: "I am sure we can triumph in any match.

"Yes, we face certain issues, but even short handed right now, I have faith in the group and our ability to prevail in every fixture.

"It will be tougher, naturally, but I back my players fully and if we stay sharp, success is within reach."