SOCCER: Amorim rues bad luck, Fernandes injured in United loss at Villa

BIRMINGHAM, England – Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim lamented his side’s misfortune after a 2–1 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday, a result compounded by the loss of captain Bruno Fernandes to what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Morgan Rogers struck twice for Villa, while United were forced to reshuffle their midfield after Fernandes was substituted at halftime.

“I think we were the better team today,” Amorim said. “We were unlucky, even with the injury to Bruno. During the game, even without him, we were the better team.

“We did a very good job that no one is going to remember tomorrow, because what matters is the result,” he added.

The 40-year-old coach said Fernandes appeared to have suffered a soft-tissue injury, though there was no immediate indication of how long the midfielder might be sidelined. Youngsters Shea Lacey and Jack Fletcher — the son of former United player Darren Fletcher — were handed their senior debuts.

“We need to prepare all the players we have for the next game. We cannot use anything as an excuse,” Amorim said. “No one is going to remember these problems, so we have to cope with them. It will make us stronger.”

United defender Diogo Dalot was candid about the impact Fernandes’ absence could have on the team, which sits seventh in the table on 26 points, 10 behind third-placed Villa.

“It’s massive,” Dalot said. “We don’t know how bad it is, but for him to come off, we know how tough he is. Hopefully, it’s not too serious and we can have him back for the next games.”

“This is the moment when opportunities come for other players — when you step up and show you deserve to be in the team and play more minutes,” he added. “We are Manchester United, and we have to find a way to win.” -Reporting by Philip O'Connor, editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters