'Impossible to replace' - Fernandes could miss up to a month Manchester United's talisman Bruno Fernandes is set to be sidelined for up to a month, dealing a significant blow to the club's hopes of maintaining their push for a top-four finish in the Premier League. The Portuguese playmaker sustained an unspecified injury during United's 0-0 draw with Southampton on Sunday, and manager Ruben Amorim has conceded that finding an adequate replacement will be a major challenge. "Bruno is a unique player, and it's impossible to replace him," Amorim said in a post-match interview. "He's so important to the way we play, and losing him for any length of time is a huge setback." Fernandes, who joined United in January 2020 from Sporting CP, has been a revelation at Old Trafford, quickly establishing himself as one of the most influential players in the Premier League. His creativity, vision, and goal-scoring ability have been instrumental in United's resurgence under Erik ten Hag, and his absence will be keenly felt by the team and the fans. The 28-year-old has been a consistent performer for United, making over 150 appearances in all competitions and contributing an impressive 55 goals and 42 assists. His importance to the team is underscored by the fact that United's win rate drops significantly when he is not in the starting lineup. The news of Fernandes' potential absence comes at a crucial juncture in United's season, with the team fighting to secure a top-four finish and maintain their challenge for the FA Cup and Europa League titles. United currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, level on points with third-placed Newcastle United and just three points ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur. The loss of Fernandes could have a significant impact on their ability to hold onto that coveted Champions League spot, as the team will need to find a way to replace his creativity and goal-scoring threat. "Bruno has been a driving force for us this season," Ten Hag said in a statement. "His ability to dictate the tempo of the game, create chances, and chip in with important goals has been invaluable. Losing him for any period of time is a major concern, but we will do everything in our power to ensure he receives the best possible care and make a full recovery as soon as possible." The injury setback is particularly frustrating for Fernandes, who has been in impressive form this season, contributing 10 goals and 14 assists in all competitions. His consistently high level of performance has seen him emerge as one of the leading contenders for the prestigious PFA Player of the Year award. Amorim acknowledged that the team will need to step up in Fernandes' absence, with the likes of Christian Eriksen, Jadon Sancho, and Anthony Martial expected to play more prominent roles in the team's attacking play. "We have a talented squad, and I'm confident that the players will rise to the occasion and find a way to compensate for Bruno's absence," Amorim said. "But there's no denying that he's a unique talent, and it will be a challenge to replace his influence on the team." United fans will be anxiously waiting for updates on Fernandes' recovery timeline, as the team's top-four aspirations and pursuit of silverware could hinge on how quickly he is able to return to the pitch. The injury setback is a sobering reminder of the fine margins that can determine the outcome of a season, and United will need to demonstrate their resilience and adaptability to overcome this latest challenge. As the team navigates the coming weeks without their talisman, the focus will be on finding a way to maintain their momentum and secure the necessary results to keep their ambitions alive. The task ahead may be daunting, but with the right mindset and a collective effort, United will be hoping to weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.