Forget Christmas cheer at Old Trafford – Ruben Amorim is about to get a lump of coal in his stocking.
The Portuguese gaffer could be missing up to SEVEN first-team players when Newcastle rock up on Boxing Day, and United fans are already pulling their hair out wondering who's actually going to take the pitch.
Bruno DOWN, Mainoo OUT – The Midfield Has Gone Missing
Let's start with the absolute shocker: Bruno Fernandes limped off with a hamstring injury against Aston Villa and won't be anywhere near the teamsheet on Friday. The Portuguese maestro – United's only consistent creator – watched helplessly as the physios stretchered his Boxing Day plans away.
Amorim confirmed the grim news himself: Bruno's out. Period.
Then there's Kobbie Mainoo, the young midfield sensation who's been carrying United on his teenage shoulders. A calf injury kept him away from Villa Park, and he won't be back for Newcastle either. That's your entire midfield engine room... gone.
The AFCON Exodus Makes Things Worse
If injuries weren't enough, the Africa Cup of Nations has snatched away more talent. Amad Diallo – arguably United's most exciting attacking threat right now – has jetted off to Morocco for the tournament. Alongside him? Noussair Mazraoui, the full-back who's been one of Amorim's few reliable defenders.
Both are representing Morocco, which is lovely for international football, absolutely diabolical for United's Boxing Day hopes.
The Defensive Crisis Deepens
Matthijs de Ligt has been nursing a back injury for weeks now. The Dutch defender hasn't featured since early December, and Amorim will provide an update in his pre-match presser – but don't hold your breath.
Harry Maguire is another doubt. The former captain picked up a thigh problem in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham and hasn't been seen since. United's defensive options are looking thinner than a Premier League excuse for VAR.
Enter the Academy Lads
Against Villa, Amorim threw caution to the wind and handed debuts to Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey – two kids from Carrington who probably thought they'd be watching from the stands during the festive period.
Both could see extended minutes against Eddie Howe's men. It's either brave or desperate – take your pick.
The one bit of positive news? Lisandro Martinez is finally fit and pushing for his first start of the campaign. The Argentine warrior played 45 minutes in midfield against Villa, and United fans will be praying he's ready to slot back into defence.
Seventh In The Table – And Sinking
United have already dropped to seventh in the Premier League, and this injury crisis couldn't have come at a worse time. Newcastle are flying, Eddie Howe's got a fully loaded squad, and the Magpies will smell blood.
Amorim needs solutions, and he needs them fast. The January window can't come soon enough – but first, he's got to survive Boxing Day with what looks like half a youth team.
Good luck, Ruben. You're going to need it.
