Bruno Fernandes has been pictured with a protective boot and crutches after being forced off in Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final victory against Brighton on Sunday. The Portugal international, an almost ever-present figure in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI, picked up what appeared to be an ankle knock in the first half. He remained on the pitch until the 101th minute with Wout Weghorst coming onto replace him, with United eventually booking their place in the final after a tense 7-6 win on penalties. Reports have claimed Fernandes could be a doubt for Thursday’s trip to Tottenham with a post shared by his wife Ana Pinho likely to heighten those fears among United fans. Fernandes is pictured lying on his sofa having a snack with his right foot supported by a stack of cushions, with a protective boot and crutches on the floor next to him.
Ten Hag considered taking off his midfielder at the time of the injury on Sunday and again at half-time but Fernandes was determined to stay on the pitch. He has been almost ever-present in ten Hag’s starting XI this season, starting and completing every Premier League match he has been available for, missing a defeat to Aston Villa last November through suspension. Ten Hag has welcomed back Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw from injury with Christian Eriksen also back in the fold. The Dane missed over two months of action as a the result of an ankle injury of his own suffered in January. Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are both sidelined and while the Argentine will miss the rest of the season, there is hope Varane will be ready for the FA Cup final against Manchester City on 3 June.