THE SECRET TACTICAL PLAN RUBEN AMORIM WILL USE TO REPLACE BRUNO FERNANDES
Ruben Amorim rules out Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo for the Newcastle clash as injury problems deepen today.
Ahead of Manchester United's Boxing Day home game against Newcastle, boss Ruben Amorim gave updates on Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo's fitness. United wants to recover from their 2-1 loss to Aston Villa and improve their chances of finishing in the top four. They've only gotten one point from their last two games.
Fernandes Left the Villa Game Early
Last weekend, Aston Villa beat United with two great goals from Morgan Rogers. Now, United is three points behind Chelsea, who are in fourth place. This week, Amorim's team has a chance to tie with Chelsea before Chelsea plays Aston Villa on Saturday night.
The loss at Villa Park was even worse because captain Fernandes had to be subbed out at halftime with a possible hamstring issue. He'll probably be out until the New Year. This is tough for Amorim, since Fernandes has been key in United's midfield this season.
Before Friday's game, Amorim updated everyone on Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, who didn't play against Villa because of an injury.
Amorim on Four Players' Fitness
At the pre-Newcastle press conference, Amorim said about Fernandes and Mainoo, "They won’t play this game; they're still getting better." I think Kobbie will be back sooner than Bruno. I have an idea when, but we'll see. We have other players, and we might need to try some different strategies.”
Amorim also said that centre-backs Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt would miss the Newcastle game due to hamstring and back problems. We're still working with them. "They can't play this one, but we'll see about the next game," he said.
On a brighter note, Amorim praised academy players Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey, who both made their debuts as subs against Villa. Jack Fletcher was great, and that’s why we need to give chances to guys like him, Amorim said.
About Fletcher and Lacey's debuts, Amorim added, "They're normal, good kids." They’ve been great this week. They haven't changed just because they played for Manchester United.
They’re focused, getting ready for the game, and they think they can play. That’s good. They’re the same as they’ve been for the past few weeks.
'No Replacing Bruno'
Fernandes' absence is a blow, and he's hoping to be back for the Manchester derby next month. Amorim said it's 'impossible' to replace him: It is impossible to replace Bruno. This morning, I told the team that this is a time for others to step up.
Not just with creating plays, but also with set pieces. He organises the team, and this is a chance for everyone to understand we can't rely on one player for everything.
We sometimes count on Bruno for organising and creating. We’ve lost Bruno in set pieces, so this is a big deal, but it’s a chance for players to show the leadership we need.”
About what the team loses without Fernandes, Amorim added, "Everything." He knows every position. He pays attention to everything. During set pieces or subs, he tells everyone where to be.
But this is great for guys like Licha, Luke Shaw, and others. We need more leaders to step up because this can happen to Bruno. It’s not common, but it can, so this is a big chance for the other guys.”
Several Absences for United
United will be missing several key players against Newcastle. Besides Fernandes, Mainoo, Maguire, and De Ligt, Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui are playing for Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Morocco, respectively, in the Africa Cup of Nations.
But Casemiro is back after missing the Villa game due to suspension.
THOMAS TUCHEL AND CARLO ANCELOTTI RULE OUT MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER JOB VACANCY
Michael Carrick remains unbeaten as Man United manager! Read about his 2-0 win over City and why Tuchel and Ancelotti are ruled out.
Manchester United are still searching for a new permanent manager after Ruben Amorim’s exit, even though Michael Carrick’s start as caretaker has turned some heads. Carlo Ancelotti’s already made it clear he’s not interested, and Thomas Tuchel just committed his future to England.
Carrick stepped in after Amorim got sacked last month, and so far, he’s done well. If the good results keep coming, United might offer him the job full-time, but they’re still looking at other options.
Tuchel was in the running for a while, but on Thursday, he signed a new deal with the England national team. He’s staying put until after Euro 2028.
Then there’s Ancelotti. He’s coaching Brazil now and looks set to extend his contract there soon. United reportedly had him on their list, but last year, the Italian pretty much ruled out returning to club football unless Real Madrid came calling.
Back in September 2025, Ancelotti spoke to L’Equipe about his future. He didn’t leave much room for doubt and said there’s only one European side he’d consider managing again.
“Real Madrid is the only team I will accept managing after Brazil,” Ancelotti said. So, with that and his new Brazil deal, United can cross his name off for good.
So, who takes over after this season? No one knows yet. Carrick, since stepping back in January, hasn’t lost a single match.
He kicked things off by leading United to a 2-0 win over Manchester City can’t ask for a better start. After that, they beat Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham, and then grabbed a last-minute draw against West Ham.
This unbeaten run has fans and pundits calling for Carrick to get the job permanently. After the win over Fulham, people wanted to know what he thought about his future. Carrick kept it honest: “Nothing’s changed, to be honest.
“I know what I’m here to do and what’s expected of me. We want success, and I want the club to be successful down the line—whether that’s with me or someone else.
“I can’t control what happens next. All I can do is try to make the team better and make United stronger. A handful of good results doesn’t change that. If it does, something’s off.
“You can’t just react to a few games, good or bad. It’s about building something solid.”
THE £70M HOMECOMING: WHY MAN UNITED DREAM OF RE-SIGNING SERIE A MVP SCOTT MCTOMINAY
Manchester United wants Scott McTominay back! Discover the £70m price tag and why Tottenham is eyeing Michael Carrick for manager.
Manchester United want Scott McTominay back at Old Trafford, and it’s no secret what it’ll cost them. Meanwhile, Tottenham are eyeing a bold move for a new manager.
McTominay left United in August 2024, heading to Napoli for £25 million even though he’d just finished his best season yet, scoring some big goals and keeping Erik ten Hag in the job. Since then, he’s thrived in Italy. Last season, he helped Napoli win the Serie A title and even picked up the league’s MVP award. No wonder Premier League clubs are paying attention. United want him back, and they’re at the front of the queue.
The word from Italy is United “dream of a reunion. McTominay’s happy in Naples, but he’s got unfinished business at United and wants to prove his critics wrong. Napoli’s chief, Leonardo Giammarioli, admitted he’s worried about losing his star midfielder if a massive offer comes in. He even compared it to Nick Woltemade’s exit from Stuttgart.
Fraser Fletcher, our transfer guy, broke the story back in November that United and Arsenal are both looking at McTominay, and Spurs are interested too. But McTominay’s not leaving for just any club. He wants the right project. And it won’t be cheap. Napoli want at least €80m (£70m/$95m) if they’re going to let their 29-year-old star go.
For United, McTominay is one of several targets as they look to rebuild their midfield. Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton are also on the list.
Now, about Michael Carrick: United loves what he’s done as interim boss. But they’re not the only ones. Graeme Bailey says Tottenham are seriously considering Carrick for their permanent manager job. Carrick played for both United and Spurs, and Tottenham already thought about him before hiring Thomas Frank last summer. His quick adjustment to Premier League management hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Spurs have brought in Igor Tudor as interim manager, but Carrick’s in the mix to take over this summer. Of course, it depends on whether United decide to keep him themselves. Sources say United are really impressed with his style and attitude, though they’re still weighing their options.
United aren’t just busy with managers; they’re scouting too. This weekend, they’ll have people watching Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco and Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu in the Derby d’Italia. Kalulu’s been all over the pitch for Juve, playing centre-back, right-back, and wing-back. Dimarco, on the other hand, has been electric for Inter at left wing-back, with six goals and 13 assists in 31 games. Both United and Arsenal are watching closely.
Dimarco might be easier to sign than Kalulu because of his contract. Inter want to extend his deal, but for now, it runs out in June 2027. United have been dreaming about him as their new left-back.
On another note, England rugby captain Maro Itoje spoke out against Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent comments on immigration. “I disagree with the terminology and sentiments of what he said,” Itoje told the BBC. “I do not believe that immigrants have colonised Great Britain. That’s just not true, and it’s the wrong thing to say.
“I’m a proud Londoner, proud to play for and captain England. That’s one of my greatest accomplishments. But I’m also of Nigerian descent, and I’m proud of that heritage too.
“Honestly, I think Ratcliffe’s wording was clumsy, and his numbers were wrong. I saw he apologised, and I respect people who can admit when they’ve messed up and say sorry. So, credit to him for that.”