Manchester United faces bad news at a crucial turning point in the season as Bruno Fernandes is likely to miss six consecutive matches, including the Manchester Derby.
On 23 December 2025, Manchester United is confronting a major challenge after key captain Bruno Fernandes suffered a hamstring injury during the Premier League loss to Aston Villa, with an expected recovery time of about one full month.
This injury means the Portuguese midfielder will definitely miss the Boxing Day game against Newcastle United. According to English media assessments, Manchester United may have to play six consecutive matches without Bruno, covering league and FA Cup games, including the crucial Manchester Derby.
Scheduled matches that Bruno Fernandes is expected to miss (forecast):
Newcastle United (home) — 27 Dec 2025 GMT+7
Wolverhampton (home) — 31 Dec 2025 GMT+7
Leeds United (away) — 04 Jan 2026 GMT+7
Burnley (away) — 08 Jan 2026 GMT+7
Brighton (home – FA Cup) — 11 Jan 2026 GMT+7
Manchester City (home) — 17 Jan 2026 GMT+7
Reports state Bruno aims to return in the Premier League match where Manchester United visits Arsenal on 25 January 2026, if his recovery proceeds as planned.
Bruno's absence is a severe blow for Rúben Amorim as he is the team's top performer this season, with 5 goals and 7 assists in 17 league matches, and has never missed more than two consecutive games since joining Old Trafford.
The situation worsens as Kobbie Mainoo is still injured, and several players are away on Africa Cup of Nations duty, limiting midfield options and increasing pressure on the Red Devils during a congested fixture schedule before the second half of the season.