Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes will miss multiple games after suffering a hamstring injury in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Aston Villa. Fernandes left the match at halftime after pulling up late in the first half.

Manager Ruben Amorim confirmed Fernandes would miss the Boxing Day match against Newcastle at Old Trafford. The extent of the injury remains uncertain, though Amorim expects him to miss several games.

Portugal defender Diogo Dalot called Fernandes' absence a massive blow to the team. Fernandes has been remarkably durable during his United career.

"It's massive," Dalot told Sky Sports. "We don't know how bad it is but for him to come off, we know how tough he is."

Fernandes has missed only two games due to injury in his entire United career. Those absences came at the end of 2023-24 when he managed a knee complaint before the FA Cup final. He has also missed one match through illness.

Fernandes serves as United's talisman and most creative force. He has five goals and seven assists this season despite dropping into a deeper role.

Before the Villa match, there had been only four Premier League games in which United scored and Fernandes failed to be involved in at least one goal. His absence leaves Amorim without his most reliable performer.

"I don't what to talk about matters you can't control," Amorim said. "It's a soft tissue, I think he's going to lose some games, I don't know for sure. He is a guy who is always fit so he might recover quite well."

United face additional personnel problems beyond Fernandes. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui begin Africa Cup of Nations campaigns that could extend until January 17.

Defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire show no signs of returning from injuries that have sidelined them for four and six matches respectively. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo missed the Villa trip with a calf problem and will likely miss the Newcastle game.

Centerback Lisandro Martinez replaced Fernandes against Villa and performed adequately. However, Amorim said last month he would only use Martinez in midfield as an emergency measure.

Casemiro returns from a one-match suspension, providing one boost. Manuel Ugarte should be fit, though United have not won any of the last nine league games he has started.

The injuries will increase pressure on United to strengthen Amorim's squad in the January transfer window. The club has interest in Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo and former Wolves captain Ruben Neves.

Amorim said Friday he will not make panic purchases and will only pursue pre-existing targets. United have taken 10 points from their last eight games and dropped to seventh in the table.

"What we cannot do is to reach January and try to do everything in urgency, make mistakes and then [it's] 'here we go again' with a lot of mistakes," Amorim said. "We have a plan. If we have to suffer, the club comes first."

United face four games in a fortnight after the Newcastle match, including an FA Cup third-round tie with Brighton. Premier League meetings with Manchester City and Arsenal follow in mid-January.

"You can feel in this moment we are going to struggle, but we will see," Amorim said.