Man United could miss up to eight players in first match after Amorim exit

Man United face Burnley on 8 January in gameweek 21 of the Premier League. Despite Burnley sitting 19th in the table, United head into the game in a difficult moment after parting ways with Amorim. Since the start of 2025, United have yet to win a match, drawing against Wolves and Leeds.

United are also missing several key players. Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui and Amad Diallo remain unavailable as they continue to compete at AFCON 2025. At least one of them will return in time for the Manchester City match, as Mazraoui’s Morocco face Mbeumo’s Cameroon in the quarter-finals on 10 January.

Club captain Bruno Fernandes will miss the Burnley match as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. The midfielder is expected to return for the FA Cup match against Brighton on 10 January.

Kobbie Mainoo is a doubt after recently suffering a calf injury that has kept him out for three weeks. There is still a chance the midfielder could be available. In attack, Mason Mount’s situation remains unclear after picking up a minor knock that ruled him out against Leeds. Amorim previously said the issue was not serious, and Mount could still return soon.

In defence, centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire have been ruled out since early December but are hopeful of making their comebacks in the coming weeks. If there are no further setbacks, United are expected to have a full squad available for the Manchester City match in gameweek 22.

Manchester United are currently sixth in the Premier League with 31 points from 20 matches, level on points with Chelsea and three behind Liverpool. For the Burnley match, U18 coach Darren Fletcher will be in charge as interim manager while the club continue their search for Amorim’s replacement.