Manchester United supporters were undoubtedly full of excitement after Bruno Fernandes played a pivotal role in Ruben Amorim’s debut Premier League match at Old Trafford. The Portuguese maestro provided two assists, one for Marcus Rashford and another for new signing Joshua Zirkzee, helping to secure a commanding 4-0 lead over Everton. Fernandes’ creative brilliance was evident as he orchestrated play, setting up his teammates to score before halftime. Rashford and Zirkzee, buoyed by the midfielder’s expert delivery, both found the back of the net, showcasing a devastating partnership. Their impressive display continued into the second half, with each player adding another goal to seal the perfect start for Amorim at the helm of Manchester United.
However, despite the team’s commanding performance, a potential cause for concern arose as Fernandes was seen being substituted just after the hour mark. The midfielder, who has been an indispensable figure for the Red Devils, was visibly wearing heavy taping on his foot and an ice pack – raising alarm bells among fans and pundits alike. A tweet from @TheEuropeanLad on X showed Fernandes with the protective device clearly visible, sparking further anxiety about his condition. It was a rare sight for the midfielder, known for his resilience and durability, to be forced off with an injury during a match where United were comfortably 4-0 ahead.
While the injury concern did not impact the final scoreline – with United cruising to a dominant 4-0 victory, propelling them to ninth in the Premier League table – it cast a shadow over what should have been a joyous occasion. The result, which left Everton reeling, was important not just for Amorim’s morale but for United’s position in the league. Yet, with crucial fixtures looming against Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City in the next couple of weeks, Amorim’s optimism for the win could soon give way to concerns about Fernandes’ fitness. The last thing the new manager would want is to lose his star playmaker just as the team prepares for a grueling run of matches.
Fortunately, there was no stretcher involved when Fernandes was substituted, which may offer a glimmer of hope. The absence of such a severe reaction to the injury could suggest that the problem may not be too serious. However, any swelling to the ankle could still make Fernandes a doubt for the upcoming clash with Arsenal. Even more worrying, the possibility of him missing the Manchester City game looms large. With City struggling to find form, having gone six games without a win before their trip to league leaders Liverpool, facing them now could have been a golden opportunity for United. Yet, if Fernandes is sidelined, it could leave a significant void in United’s midfield for that critical encounter.
It’s worth noting that Fernandes had a sluggish start to the season under Erik ten Hag, where his performances were under the microscope. However, since the arrival of Ruud van Nistelrooy as interim manager and now Amorim as permanent coach, Fernandes has rediscovered his best form. In just seven games, he has registered four goals and five assists, proving that he’s back to his world-class best. His contribution has been crucial to United’s recent resurgence, and any extended absence would be a devastating blow to Amorim, especially during such a critical period of the season.
While the victory over Everton was an encouraging start for Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford, any potential injury to Fernandes would be a significant setback. His ability to dictate the tempo and create opportunities is something that United cannot afford to lose, particularly with such high-stakes matches approaching. Amorim will be hoping for the best, but there’s a sense of nervous anticipation around Fernandes’ injury, with fans anxiously awaiting updates on his condition as the team looks to continue its momentum in the comi
ng weeks.