Amorim: Man United Without Fernandes and Mainoo for Boxing Day Clash With Newcastle

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo will miss the Boxing Day fixture against Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

Mainoo sat out last weekend’s defeat to Aston Villa with a calf problem, while Fernandes was forced off at half-time in the same match after sustaining a soft-tissue injury.

Amorim had hinted earlier that both midfielders were unlikely to feature against the Magpies, and he reiterated that stance in his pre-match press conference.

‘No, not for this game,’ Amorim said when asked about their availability. ‘They are recovering. I don’t think it is going to take a lot of time. Kobbie is going to return faster than Bruno. I don’t want to say how long Bruno will be out. I have an idea of course, but let’s see.’

United will also remain without centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, who continue their recovery from recent injuries.

‘We are still working with them, they are not available for this one. Let’s see for the next one,’ Amorim added.

There is some positive news for the Reds, with Casemiro returning from suspension. However, Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo are unavailable as they represent their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations.