Erik ten Hag might have lost his Manchester United undroppable at the worst time

It's not often a bloke chilling on the sofa munching a slice of toast can cause such dread in so many people but Bruno Fernandes managed exactly that on Monday evening.

A photograph emerged thanks to his wife's Instagram story and what would normally be the picture of domestic bliss but was tarnished by the fact the Manchester United star's foot was wrapped in a protective brace as it lay elevated on a stack of cushions. To make matters worse, a large moon boot and a pair of crutches were close at hand.

With some enormous matches to come as the season reaches its climax, the prospect of United being without Fernandes is a terrifying one. The sight of his encased foot and walking aids has sent shivers down many a spine, maybe even Erik ten Hag's as well.

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The injury occurred in the opening half of United's narrow penalty shoot-out victory over Brighton in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final. The midfielder challenged for a ball and landed awkwardly, twisting his right ankle as he planted his foot on the pitch. It was wince-inducing to watch so it must have been excruciating to suffer.

After receiving treatment, Fernandes gingerly returned to his feet, limped around for a few minutes but then soldered on despite the obvious pain. He would go on to play the full 90 minutes and was only taken off once the clock had struck 101 deep into extra time. It was a Herculean effort to play on through the injury, the sort of selfless sacrifice that only endears a player to supporters even further. As if Fernandes could become any more loved in the terraces.

But in the same breath, it does present problems. What if the injury has been worsened by running about it