Bruno Fernandes injury update: Latest news, reports on Man United captain's return and who could replace him

Few players across the Premier League, or even all of Europe, have proven more important to their club than Bruno Fernandes.

The Manchester United captain has been a pillar of consistency and reliability within the otherwise chaotic Red Devils squad since joining in 2020, continually leading from the front while the rest of the team meanders up and down behind him.

The 31-year-old has logged at least 35 appearances and over 3,000 minutes in every single full Premier League season since joining the club, continuing to remain steadfast through a tumultuous period in the club's history.

Such is why a potential injury to the Portugal international during the defeat to Aston Villa has Man United fans worried about replacing him moving forward, and supporters will hope he can return soon.

AllSportsPeople has the latest on the injury to Fernandes, including the diagnosis, when he could return and who could take his place on the field in the meantime.

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Bruno Fernandes injury news, updates

Man United captain Bruno Fernandes was withdrawn at halftime of the 2-1 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa on Dec. 21, an immediately worrying sign for fans who know how reliable the 31-year-old has been and how rarely he is brought off the pitch.

Following the match, United manager Ruben Amorim would only confirm that the injury to Fernandes was of the "soft tissue" nature.

"I think he’s going to lose some games. I don’t know for sure, so let’s see," Amorim said.

The injury is likely to his hamstring, as he was seen feeling the back of his leg shortly before the end of the first half.

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When will Bruno Fernandes be back for Man United?

It's unclear at this point how long Fernandes will be out, and more will only be known once scans are completed and more information filters out. However, there is some speculation.

According to a report from John Percy of The Telegraph, Fernandes "could be missing for at least a month."

There's some serious caveating there in that report, but it's at least a starting point.

Hamstring injuries come in various severities, with Grade 1 the slightest with just some slight tearing, Grade 2 the next level with a moderate tear and Grade 3 the most severe with a complete rupture.

A Grade 1 strain would leave Fernandes out for just a few weeks, while a Grade 2 would see him sidelined for a longer 4-6 week timeline. A Grade 3 strain usually requires surgery and would leave a player out of action for up to three months.

Given Percy's report, it's likely that Fernandes has a Grade 2 strain, although more testing is clearly needed to make that definitive determination.

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Most chances created in the Premier League this season:

51 — Bruno Fernandes 🥇
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36 — Jeremy Doku 🥈

Irreplaceable. 😔 pic.twitter.com/NBPT5BJj8k

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 22, 2025

What matches will Bruno Fernandes miss due to injury?

A potential four-week absence would leave Bruno Fernandes out for a number of matches in which Manchester United would have to replace their captain.

Man United has games against Newcastle, Wolves, Leeds and Burnley in Premier League action over the next two weeks, a stretch through which it feels as though United could manage without their intrepid captain.

However, the question will be whether he can recover in time to play a role in two huge matches back-to-back at the end of January, with the Manchester derby on Jan. 17 followed by a visit to leaders Arsenal on Jan. 25.

Given the potential one-month timeline, it will be a race against time for Fernandes to pass fit for those games.

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Man United upcoming schedule

How will Man United replace Bruno Fernandes?

There is simply no replacing the production Bruno Fernandes offers Manchester United both with and without the ball. Yet Ruben Amorim will have no choice but to try, with Fernandes out of at least the next few games due to injury.

The most like-for-like replacement in midfield would be Kobbie Mainoo, who profiles as a similar player, albeit with far more muted overall numbers. Unfortunately, the 20-year-old missed the Aston Villa match with an injury of his own, and it's unclear when this calf problem will allow him back on the field.

Instead, the best option for Amorim is Mason Mount who has been used as a quasi-No. 10 of late at Man United but has significant midfield experience from the past, especially at Chelsea where he was primarily a No. 8. With Mount moved back, it would likely mean that Benjamin Sekso and Joshua Zirkzee could see more time up front next to Bryan Mbeumo and behind Matheus Cunha.

A pairing of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte at the base of midfield could work, but would need help from a creative standpoint moving forward. With Casemiro suspended against Aston Villa, centre-back Lisandro Martinez was used as an emergency midfield option, but Amorim will do his best to avoid that scenario moving forward.

According to a report by CentreDevils.co.uk, United will seek to find options in the January transfer window to help cover the gap, but there's also not much the club can do in such a way unless Fernandes is out for a more significant period of time.

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