Man Utd fans spot worrying Bruno Fernandes injury sign just two days before Manchester derby
Manchester United fans have caught sight of a worrying development in advance of Sunday's Premier League derby match against rivals Manchester City.
Man Utd beat Azeri champions Sabah in the first match of their Champions League on Thursday. Captain Bruno Fernandes combined with new signing Youri Tielemans to score the Red Devils' second goal.
But a comfortable night at Old Trafford ended with fans spotting a tracksuited Fernandes exhibiting a slight limp as he left the stadium after leading United to a breezy win.
Is Bruno Fernandes an injury doubt for the Manchester derby?
United started the Michael Carrick era with a 2-0 win in the Manchester derby last season. It was a win that acted as a springboard to much improved form under the ex-England midfielder and ultimately set them on the path to a third-placed finish in the Premier League.
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Fernandes notched his ninth league assist of the season at Old Trafford on that Saturday lunchtime and has been in tremendous fettle ever since.
The sight of the reigning Player of the Year hobbling after a game was not the development United fans wanted three days before renewing hostilities with City.
Fernandes played the full 90 minutes of Thursday's Champions League match. Sabah manager Valdas Dambrauskas admitted afterwards that the Portuguese midfielder had 'absolutely destroyed' his team.
While the limping skipper has caused concerns for United fans after a night that saw him take more than a few knocks from opponents determined to stop him, there's no substantial indication that he will miss the derby on Sunday.
United will be desperate to have their captain involved. Last season was the first time they'd beaten City at Old Trafford for three years.
Read next: Darren Fletcher forced to put Man United fan in his place during ugly exchange after Sabah game
Fernandes has started the season in excellent form
2025-26 was Fernandes' best in a United shirt, earning him a second nomination for the Ballon d'Or.
The 32-year-old has picked up where he left off in a new-look Red Devils midfield.
After losing their opening game away at promoted Hull City, United came from behind to beat Ipswich Town in their second match.
Fernandes was at the heart of their recovery after conceding first at Old Trafford, scoring three goals before setting up the fifth for Bryan Mbeumo.
"He's got a lot of experience now to pass on to others, and lead by example, help them in different moments in times like today," Carrick said after the Ipswich win.
"Sometimes you're looking towards certain players to give us that little bit of something else, he did that today particularly well.
"He offers us a lot, what else can I say? I've said a lot about him already and I've only been here six or seven months. Hopefully there's a lot to come."
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Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Man Utd, Man City, Football
Chris Nee