United 'fear Fernandes could MISS Sunday's showdown with Liverpool'

Manchester United ‘fear Bruno Fernandes could MISS Sunday’s showdown with Liverpool after limping heavily throughout a warm-down session on Thursday’ following the dramatic Atalanta win

  • Bruno Fernandes is reportedly struggling after Wednesday’s win over Atalanta
  • It could leave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a huge issue before facing Liverpool
  • Solskjaer is under growing scrutiny after Manchester United’s rocky start 

Manchester United have been left sweating over the fitness of Bruno Fernandes as they prepare to face Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

According to The Sun, Portugal star Fernandes was ‘limping heavily’ after turning up for a warm-down session following United’s 3-2 comeback victory against Atalanta in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

It would be a huge blow for United if the 27-year-old was out of Sunday’s clash against Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Bruno Fernandes is reportedly a concern for Manchester United ahead of facing Liverpool

The 27-year-old’s potential absence would be a huge blow for United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

United are winless in their last three Premier League matches and the narrow triumph over Atalanta has done little to cool the intensifying scrutiny over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his position as United manager.

United were two goals down to Atalanta at half-time before strikes from Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo turned things around in the second half.

But Solskjaer will know his side have to be far better against Liverpool and the potential absence of Fernandes would represent a huge blow.

Liverpool defeated Atletico Madrid 3-2 at the Wanda Metropolitano in midweek and sit second in the Premier League standings, a point behind leaders Chelsea.

If United are beaten by Liverpool on Sunday, they would fall seven points behind their fierce rivals with just nine league matches gone.

Fernandes has scored four goals in 12 appearances in all competitions for United so far this season.

Solskjaer also has concerns over Marcus Rashford, who got a dead leg against the Italian side, but believes he will be passed fit for Sunday. 

Speaking after Wednesday’s win, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger suggested Solskjaer should start with Fernandes in midfield alongside Paul Pogba and Fred against Liverpool.

Liverpool prepared for facing United with a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in the week

Arsene Wenger was impressed by Fernandes in United’s victory against Atalanta

Wenger told beIN SPORTS: ‘Pogba, I thought, did well. Pogba gave them more power out from deep in midfield by creating more dangerous balls.

‘And when Pogba came on Fernandes became better. Fernandes had a poor first half, but in the second half he came alive as well.’

And regarding Fred’s contribution, Wenger added: ‘I would personally highlight the second half for Fred.

‘Fred saved a few crosses in the box, defensively outstanding and he worked unbelievably hard in the second half.’




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