Manchester United have been handed a significant double fitness boost ahead of their Premier League trip to Burnley on Wednesday evening, with captain Bruno Fernandes and midfielder Mason Mount both set to return to the squad.
Key Duo Set for Turf Moor Return
The news comes as a major lift for caretaker manager Darren Fletcher, who will take charge of his first match following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. Fernandes has missed United's last three games, while Mount has been absent for the previous two, including the recent draw with Leeds United.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Fletcher confirmed the pair's availability, though he indicated their minutes will be managed. "Mason and Bruno were pushing to play against Leeds and the decision was that they weren't quite ready," Fletcher explained. "So they have trained and they should be back in the squad. They are on managed minutes and restricted minutes because they have only just returned to training."
Fletcher's First Game in Temporary Charge
The former United midfielder was full of praise for the returning stars, highlighting their importance to the side. "That is good news, especially because they are players who have been in good form. Mason Mount's form has been fantastic and Bruno Fernandes... you don't have to speak about him," Fletcher stated. "He's the captain, the leader of the team. To have them available for selection is obviously great news for me, the players and the club and the fans."
Despite the positive update on Fernandes and Mount, United's injury and absence list remains lengthy. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui are still away at the African Cup of Nations. Furthermore, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, and Matthijs de Ligt are all struggling with fitness issues of their own.
Youth Players Could Feature
The shortage of available senior players could open the door for youth prospects to be included in the matchday squad at Turf Moor. Fletcher's own sons, Jack and Tyler Fletcher, who have been training with the first team, are among those in contention.
Fletcher, however, remained coy on specific team selection. "That would be disclosing team information before the game and I am not going to do that," he said. "They were in the training group on Monday because that was already arranged before I got there. They are in the periphery squad but whether they make the match squad I don't know yet, that remains to be seen."
The match against Burnley marks the beginning of a new, albeit temporary, era for Manchester United as they seek to move on from Amorim's brief tenure and build momentum in the Premier League.
