Bruno Fernandes has handed Manchester United an injury blow during his side's game at Aston Villa on Sunday, coming off with a hamstring complaint.

Ruben Amorim's side were in desperate need of a result heading into Sunday's clash at Villa Park, not least to keep the pace with top four rivals Liverpooland Chelsea. A win in the Midlands would take them level on 29 points, while a draw would leave them two points adrift.

It was a lively start to the game, with Villa close to scoring through Morgan Rogers on occasion. United also had chances through Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.

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The deadlock was eventually broken on the brink of half-time as Rogers did get his goal, cutting inside and firing a rocket into the net from just inside the box. But Villa's lead was short-lived as United got back on level terms almost instantly as Matty Cash was dispossessed close to the United goal and Cunha found the far corner.

It can be argued the scoreline was the least of United's concerns, however, as captain Fernandes appeared to pull up late in the first-half. He was able to play on until the whistle, but was clearly in some discomfort as the players made their way to the dressing room.

Therefore, it was no surprise to see Amorim make a change at the break. There were limited options on the bench, with both Joshua Zirkzee and Lisandro Martinez the only two senior outfield players available.

It was Martinez who got the nod, with Fernandes then pictured with his coat on making his way back to the bench before kick-off. It was a bitter flow for the Red Devils as their captain has arguably been one of their most consistent performers this term.

Interestingly, pundit and former United defender Gary Neville was a little surprised by Amorim's decision to take a more defensive approach with his change. Speaking on commentary, he questioned why it was Martinez instead of Zirkzee who was called upon for the second 45 minutes.

"I am surprised because I thought Zirkzee would come on just because he is closer to Bruno's position," Neville argued. "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 (Manuel) 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."

It took a little over ten minutes into the second half, but Villa were able to restore their lead to make it 2-1. Rogers, once again, found the net for the hosts with another curled effort into the far corner.