Bruno Fernandes injury: Encouraging update emerges ahead of Tottenham vs Man Utd

Bruno Fernandes is a major fitness doubt for Manchester United ahead of Thursday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

The midfielder received on-field treatment and appeared to be struggling in the first half of the Red Devils’ FA Cup win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, but managed to carry on and complete the full 90 minutes. Fernandes was replaced in extra-time and a video has since emerged of the Portugal international limping down the tunnel after the game.

On Monday night, Fernandes’ wife Ana Pinho uploaded an image to social media of Fernandes with his foot propped up and wearing a protective boot, while crutches were also visible in the foreground. It’s since led to fears among United fans that the 28-year-old has sustained a serious injury.

However, the Guardian’s Jamie Jackson tweeted to claim Fernandes’ boot is just a protective measure, with Erik ten Hag likely to give an update in Wednesday’s pre-match press conference.

An injury to Fernandes would be a real concern for the Red Devils, especially given the team’s performance against Sevilla last week when the ex-Sporting Lisbon man was missing. Fernandes was serving a one-match ban in the Europa League and United missed his presence in midfield as the team were comprehensively beaten 3-0.

Fernandes has sat out just three matches this season for United, two due to suspension and the other being a Carabao Cup tie against League One side Charlton Athletic. From Fernandes’ 49 appearances this season he has scored 10 goals and provided 13 assists, while he’s often captained the side in the absence of Harry Maguire.

Should United’s no.8 miss the trip to Spurs, Ten Hag could line up with a midfield three of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Marcel Sabiter, as he did last week in Seville. Fred is another option in the middle, while Jadon Sancho has played in the no.10 at times this season.

The Red Devils head to North London six points clear of fifth-place Spurs, having played two matches fewer. A win against an out-of-sorts Tottenham could all but end the race for the Champions League places, with Ten Hag’s men and Newcastle United pulling clear in recent weeks.