Overview
- Fernandes pulled up before halftime at Villa Park with a hamstring-related issue and was withdrawn at the break, with no firm return timetable beyond confirmation he will miss Newcastle.
- Ruben Amorim said United will not pursue urgent January signings, reiterating a long‑term recruitment plan despite a thinning squad.
- Lisandro Martínez was deployed in midfield after the injury and academy teenagers Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey made senior debuts from the bench.
- Selection is stretched by Africa Cup of Nations call‑ups for Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui and injuries to Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo.
- Aston Villa beat United 2-1 with a Morgan Rogers brace as Casemiro’s return from suspension offers limited relief for the upcoming fixtures.