The Red Devils were able to cope without Fernandes the season before last when he was once again punished for picking up five yellow cards inside their opening 19 league games. They beat Burnley on that occasion Fernandes was unavailable, but Ten Hag won’t want to find out how his team can cope without their talisman this time around.
Mason Mount would potentially be seen as a more like-for-like replacement, but the England star is currently out with a calf strain. Donny van de Beek would also be an option, but the Dutchman has been out of favour at Old Trafford and looks set to leave for regular minutes in the New Year.
United are now relying on Fernandes to be on his best behaviour to avoid a potential selection headache for Ten Hag in the crucial festive schedule.
