Bruno Fernandes emerges as a doubt for Manchester derby

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has seemingly emerged as a doubt for Sunday's Manchester derby with Manchester City in the Premier League.

The Portugal international had been a doubt for Wednesday's FA Cup fifth-round clash with Nottingham Forest, but he ultimately played the full 90 minutes of what proved to be a 1-0 win for the Red Devils.

Fernandes was seen limping out of the City Ground after the match, though, suggesting that he is now a major fitness doubt for this weekend's contest at the Etihad Stadium.

Speaking after the contest, Man United head coach Erik ten Hag said that his captain "has a serious injury" and was playing through the pain barrier against Forest.

Ten Hag also praised Raphael Varane for making himself available, as the Frenchman had also been a doubt due to a problem which he suffered against Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday.

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"It's not easy, especially in the back four. We have serious problems. I was very happy Rapha fought to play this game and also Bruno. He had a very bad injury as well," the Dutchman told reporters.

"He fought to be part of this game. I'm very pleased for him, how important he is and to have an assist on the goal of Casemiro.

"I don't go into that because also you saw Forest were targeting him. So I don't go to tell what it was but it was a serious injury. When you see that maybe they criticise him on social media, it's pathetic. It can't be.

"He has a serious injury, he continued to play on Saturday and now also he fought to be part of this game. He has a very high pain threshold. Last year, he also did something similar. He showed his leadership, expresses his character and it's very good when you are a leader."

Fernandes limping as he left the ground. Was a doubt with a knock but played the full game. Would still expect him to start Sunday. Still never missed a game for #mufc through injury. pic.twitter.com/eIw9VaRFGq

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) February 28, 2024

Fernandes has scored seven goals and registered eight assists in 35 appearances for Man United in all competitions during the 2023-24 campaign.

Meanwhile, the 29-year-old has 71 goals and 62 assists in 220 outings for the club since arriving from Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon in January 2020.

Man United will need to make a late check on Harry Maguire to determine whether the centre-back, who missed out against Forest, will be available for the Manchester derby.

However, the Red Devils will again definitely be missing Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Anthony Martial, Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the trip to the Etihad Stadium.