Manchester United’s Injury Crisis Deepens as Fernandes Sits Out

Manchester United’s woes continued on Monday as they suffered a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Crystal Palace, with star midfielder Bruno Fernandes missing the match due to injury. This marks the first time Fernandes has missed a club match through injury in his professional career.

Fernandes’ injury woes

Fernandes’ impressive run of playing every match for his clubs, including Novara, Udinese, Sampdoria, Sporting CP, and Manchester United, has finally come to an end. The Portuguese midfielder’s injury, undisclosed ahead of the game, adds to United’s growing list of absentees.

United’s injury crisis

With Fernandes and Scott McTominay out, United have now had 64 cases of injury or illness that have caused a player to miss a match this season. The duo’s absence forced Erik ten Hag to field a makeshift lineup, with Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen starting in their place.

United’s defensive woes

The visitors’ defense was exposed time and again as Palace sliced through the backline with ease, handing United a club-record 13th Premier League loss this season. The defeat also dealt a significant blow to United’s hopes of European qualification next season.

United’s European dreams slipping away

Fernandes has only missed one match through illness since joining United in January 2020 – a 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in 2022. His absence was deeply felt as United slumped to their 13th defeat of the season, leaving them in 8th place on 54 points through 35 games.

United’s league position

With Chelsea and Newcastle United hot on their heels, United’s chances of securing a spot in the third-tier Europa Conference League are dwindling. As the season enters its final stretch, United must find a way to overcome their injury crisis and turn their fortunes around.

United’s season in review