Amorim urges his players to step up as United face run of games without Fernandes

United head coach Ruben Amorim admitted it is impossible to replace injured captain Bruno Fernandes but has called on other players to step up in his absence.

- By CARL MARKHAM

The Portugal international is set for a spell on the sidelines with a soft tissue injury sustained in the defeat to Aston Villa and while Amorim does not expect the midfielder to be out for long, he knows others need to fill the void.

Fernandes, who has started every Premier League match this season, provides the creativity on the pitch which has been integral to United.

He has been the most creative player in the PL this season, creating 51 chances.

Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku is his closest rival with less than 40 and United have lost six and drawn one of the last seven matches he has not started.

But while Fernandes is sidelined, Amorim, who will also be without Kobbie Mainoo, expects his teammates to take on extra responsibility.

“It is impossible to replace Bruno but I said that this morning to the team,” said the United boss ahead of the Boxing Day visit of Newcastle.

“We need to take the good thing - if there is a good thing on that - that a lot of people need to step up and understand we cannot rely on one player for everything.