Amorim singles one player out as he says Man Utd can beat anyone before Newcastle clash

Ruben Amorim is "confident" Manchester United can defeat any team as he singled out one player for praise amid absentee crisis.

The United manager has confirmed fears about Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo that they will miss the game at home to Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

And he also says that centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are still out injured.

Casemiro will be back, though, from suspension for United, while Amad, Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo remain away representing their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations.

"We have other players we need maybe to try to see different ways of playing," said Amorim.

"I think Jack Fletcher did a very good job and that's why we when we have this opportunity we need to give space to guys like Jack and the other ones so we'll find solutions to play.

"I'm confident that we can win any game. Of course we have some problems but I believe in the team," said Amorim.

"Even without many players in this moment I believe in the team and I believe we can win any game. Of course it's more difficult but again I trust in my players and if we are really focusing on the game we can win."

Asked about Fletcher and Shea Lacey who made their debuts against Villa, Amorim said: "They are good kids, the behaviour they have shown this week is really good and I don't have that feeling that they are a little bit different because the played for Manchester United.

"They are really focused and they are preparing for the game. they believe that they can play and that is a really good thing, so nothing different that I have seen."

On when Mainoo and Fernandes will be back, he continued: "They are recovering. I don't think that it is going to take a lot of time. Kobbie is going to return faster than Bruno.

"I don't want to say [how long Bruno will be out]," he added, when pushed on Fernandes. "I have an idea of course, but let's see."