Man United handed Bruno Fernandes injury blow during Aston Villa clash

Bruno Fernandes picked up a hamstring injury during Manchester United's Premier League match with Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday evening.

Lisandro Martinez replaced Fernandes at half-time after the midfielder could no longer continue. Ruben Amorim was forced into the change after his talisman felt something in the back of his right leg.

Martinez came on to partner Manuel Ugarte in the middle of the pitch rather than Mason Mount moving into a deeper midfield role. The United head coach also overlooked Joshua Zirkzee, much to the surprise of Gary Neville, who was commentating on the match for Sky Sports.

He said: "I am surprised because I thought Zirkzee would come on just because he is closer to Bruno's position. I am quite surprised.

"Zirkzee doesn't look like he is too happy with it either, but you can see there now Martinez has gone in there alongside Ugarte in central midfield. He played there for Ajax a few times as well.

"United now have a back five and Ugarte and Martinez in front. It was a real shock to see Bruno pull up with his hamstring because he is ever-present and hardly misses a game."

Fernandes has featured in all of United's matches so far this season. The captain has started all-but the Carabao Cup second round tie against Grimsby Town, when he came on as a substitute at half-time.

Amorim has only substituted Fernandes twice before this season. However, on both occasions, it was in the final few minutes when United were leading 2-1 at home against Chelsea and away at Liverpool.

As acknowledged by Neville, playing as a midfielder is nothing new for Martinez. Despite never featuring there since signing for United, the Argentina international was previously utilised as a defensive midfielder 22 times