Manchester United have obvious Bruno Fernandes replacement for Sevilla Europa League fixture

A scandalous yellow card decision in the first leg means Bruno Fernandes will play no part in the return trip to Sevilla in Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final clash on Thursday.

Felix Zwayer’s booking of the playmaker for handball despite being only a yard away with his back to the shot meant the Portugal star had clocked three cautions and was required to sit out a match.

Fernandes’ absence will be felt and his performance in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest evidenced how he can dictate a game from midfield.

READ MORE: Injury update on Marcel Sabitzer

The 28-year-old had 96 touches and made six key passes, seeing him pip goal-and-assist star Antony to the man-of-the-match award.

United are having to deal with the absences of a number of other players too including Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. Top scorer Marcus Rashford could also still be unavailable with the fitness of Marcel Sabitzer is uncertain after picking up a problem in the warm-up at the City Ground.

Two key players have recently come back from time on the sidelines, though. The end of Casemiro’s domestic suspension saw him start against Forest and he proved to be as astute as ever. Christian Eriksen made his first start since injury during the game having been brought in late to replace Sabitzer.

Eriksen played 79 minutes, completing 55 of his 62 passes, in what was better preparation for a start against Sevilla. He’ll be needed amid the absence of Fernandes’ creativity.

The Dane has dropped back into a deeper midfield role when Fernandes is available, providing a formidable trio alongside Casemiro. But 255 of his 538 career games have been played as an attacking midfielder with 139 others coming as a right or left winger.