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The Old Trafford club are right now determining the full extent of the injury sustained by skipper Bruno Fernandes during the loss at Villa Park.

Manager Ruben Amorim thinks the playmaker is facing a stint on the sidelines but will be hoping the issue is not too serious. Fernandes pulled up at the end of the first half, grabbing his thigh, before playing on and then coming off at half-time.

Any layoff would be especially significant given the star playmaker's incredible availability record since joining Sporting in January 2020.

From his debut in a 0-0 stalemate against Wolves to the Villa defeat, United have contested 221 Premier League games – Fernandes has played in 212 of them, beginning the match 208 times.

Of the nine matches he has missed, two were for rotation ahead of key European games, four were due to suspension, and just three were a result of injury or illness.

His most extended period out was two back-to-back games at the end of the 2023-24 season, but he still recovered in time for the FA Cup final.

The worrying fact for Amorim is that United have lost the last four league games Fernandes has missed and five of the last six.

While the duration of his absence remains unclear, here are United's upcoming seven matches:

• 26 December v Newcastle (Home)
• 30 December v Wolves (Home)
• 4 January v Leeds (Away)
• 7 January v Burnley (Away)
• 11 January v Brighton (Home) – FA Cup third round
• 17 January v Manchester City (Home)
• 25 January v Arsenal (Away)

So, what are the manager's options if his talisman is unavailable?

Kobbie Mainoo

Amorim has stressed all season that Mainoo is in direct competition with Fernandes due to their comparable styles. In theory, this is the 20-year-old's chance to prove his manager he merits more minutes.

However, Amorim said Mainoo missed the Villa defeat with a calf problem and is doubtful to be fit to face Newcastle. He did not specify how long the midfielder will be out.

Ugarte or Martinez

Assuming experienced midfielder Casemiro returns from suspension against Newcastle, Manuel Ugarte could partner him. However, the pair have usually compete for the same position.

A concerning statistic is that United have not won any of the last nine league games Ugarte has started.

Lisandro Martinez, mainly a defender, replaced Fernandes at half-time at Villa Park. Amorim has previously said he would only consider Martinez in midfield "as a last resort," a category this situation may fit.

Neither Ugarte nor Martinez, however, possess the playmaking attributes that Fernandes provides.

The Versatile Mount

When Mount arrived, it was felt he could play as a central midfielder. He can create, and playing him alongside Casemiro could allow Joshua Zirkzee to play as a number 10.

Amorim sees Mount as better in the number 10 role but, as with Martinez, circumstances may force his hand. The England man is also flexible, having played at wing-back, and is in fine scoring form, having found the net recently.

Jack Fletcher

Fletcher made his debut at Villa Park and has the qualities – work rate and a good range of passing – that Amorim needs.

However, it would be a big ask to throw the 18-year-old into a Premier League starting lineup from the beginning.

Analysis: Fernandes Injury May Force Amorim to Tweak System

Since his appointment, Amorim has adhered to a specific 3-2-4-1 formation, rarely deviating from his philosophy.

He uses a shape that does not rely on having the ball. His midfield duo, typically Casemiro and Fernandes, have particular roles: Casemiro screens the defence, while Fernandes is given licence to contribute in attack while also covering ground defensively.

The other midfield candidates must fit into these roles. Ugarte is the likely back-up for Casemiro, while Mount, Martinez, and Mainoo have some of the qualities to do Fernandes' job.

The challenges of injuries could force Amorim to adjust his system, potentially moving to a back four with three in midfield – a setup that might benefit a player like Mainoo more.

"Maybe if you play with three midfielders, not with just two," Amorim has said. "But with three, Kobbie could get more minutes."