Manchester United lost 2-1 to Aston Villa in the Premier League earlier today.
Morgan Rogers fired the hosts ahead but Matheus Cunha brought parity to the scoreline before the break.
The game was closely contested but it was Rogers who proved to be the difference-maker with his 57th-minute strike.
More than the defeat, United supporters will be concerned about the fitness of Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.
Mainoo was absent from the matchday squad due to a calf problem.
Fernandes started emphatically against Villa but suffered a worrying hamstring injury.
Manager Ruben Amorim provided an update on the duo at the press conference after the game.
He said: “I don’t know, I think he (Fernandes) is going to lose some games, but I don’t know for sure.
“I don’t want to talk about the matter, it is a guy who is always fit and he has shown he can always recover.
“I think Kobbie Mainoo is out and Bruno is out as well. No excuses, we will try to win the next game.”
Things can change quickly.
United had multiple chances to break into the top four over the last few weeks but failed in their pursuit.
Now they find themselves in a difficult position with several players absent due to injuries or international commitments.
Both Mainoo and Fernandes will now miss the boxing day clash against Newcastle United.
Mainoo would have likely started his first league game of the campaign today with Casemiro serving his one-game suspension.
Unfortunately, he may now not play again before the new year.
Fernandes is the heartbeat of this side. He has been ever-present and has consistently stepped up in tough circumstances.
With the next game less than a week away, Amorim will have to find solutions to field a capable XI.
Casemiro is a guaranteed starter but the manager will have to choose between Lisandro Martinez and Manuel Ugarte to partner him.
Ugarte was one of the worst performers today and does not merit a starting spot.
