Why Bruno Fernandes is not playing tonight as Man United choose new captain

The Red Devils have lost their last two Premier League games and under-fire Ruben Amorim can't rely on his compatriot to help.

Following a 2-0 defeat to Wolves on Boxing Day, Amorim has now lost five of his opening ten games in charge at Old Trafford.

To compound United's misery, Fernandes was shown a red card for the third time this season and is now unavailable against Newcastle.

Why is Fernandes not playing tonight?

Fernandes was given his marching orders at Molineux having picked up two yellow cards.

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The 30-year-old was cautioned for bringing down Matheus Cunha in the first half before his second booking, which came with a late challenge on fellow Portuguese countryman Nelson Semedo.

It was his third dismissal of the season having been shown two reds in the space of the week in the early weeks of the campaign.

Fernandes was harshly sent off during a dismal defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford in September which was later rescinded.

However, the attacking midfielder failed to learn his lesson as he then went for an early bath in the Europa League draw at Porto days later.

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That ban was enforced and the armband was subsequently taken by Lisandro Martinez for the trip to Fenerbahce in October.

In his latest absence, Amorim will be forced to select a new stand-in skipper but talked up Harry Maguire reclaiming the responsibility.

The England defender was United club captain between 2019 and 2023 before being stripped of the duties by Erik ten Hag.

"You will have to wait until the game and see the captain," responded Amorim when asked who will be skipper in Fernandes' absence.

"What do I think of Harry? He works really well - he is focused on the job and not what people say. He has no excuses, even if he had some tough moments. I think in that department he is an example.

"He is there to play, to help the team and he's trying to do that."

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Man United vs Newcastle: talkSPORT coverage

This Premier League clash will take place on Monday, December 30.

Kick-off at Old Trafford is scheduled for 8pm.

talkSPORT will have EXCLUSIVE live coverage of the game presented by Adrian Durham.

Commentary will come from Sam Matterface and former England midfielder Danny Murphy.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

talkSPORT.com will have you covered too, with updates on all the action available in our dedicated live blog here.