Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has played down the blow of losing attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes for Sunday's tussle with Aston Villa at Villa Park.
The Portugal international, who has sported the captain's armband for much of this season in the absence of Harry Maguire, will miss the trip to the Midlands through suspension. He picked up his fifth booking of the season in the latter stages of last Sunday's 1-0 win over West Ham United and must serve a one-game ban.
Fernandes, who joined United in January 2020 from Sporting Lisbon, has started all but one game in all competitions this season, playing every minute so far in the Premier League. Although he has not been at his fluent best this term, his absence in the attacking-midfield berth is likely to be felt.
