Man United captain Bruno Fernandes sustains injury against Aston Villa

By Canadian Press on December 21, 2025.

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was injured and substituted at halftime in the Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Fernandes appeared to hurt his hamstring when he pulled up late in the first half at Villa Park.

He played on until the break but was replaced by Lisandro Martinez for the start of the second half.

Fernandes was seen walking uncomfortably along the sideline as he made his way to the bench for the second half.

United is already without Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui, who are playing in the Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Ruben Amorim’s options were further depleted on Sunday, with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo ruled out with a calf injury picked up in training.

Mainoo would have been the obvious replacement for Fernandes.

Even before Fernandes’ injury, Amorim said Mainoo’s absence was bad timing.

“He is going to be fine in a few weeks, I think, I don’t know,” Amorim said. “Let’s focus on the players that we have and are ready to play.”

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

The Associated Press

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