Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim lamented his side’s misfortune after a 2–1 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday was overshadowed by an injury to captain Bruno Fernandes.

Villa forward Morgan Rogers struck twice with impressive finishes, but the turning point for United came at half-time when Fernandes was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring problem, prompting Amorim to reorganise his midfield.

“I think we were the better team today,” Amorim said. “We were unlucky — even with Bruno’s injury — but during the game, even without him, we were still the better team.

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

The 40-year-old confirmed Fernandes had suffered a suspected soft-tissue injury, with no immediate indication of how long the midfielder might be sidelined. The setback did, however, open the door for debuts from youngsters Shea Lacey and Jack Fletcher, the son of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher.

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

United defender Diogo Dalot admitted the potential loss of Fernandes would be a major blow for a side currently seventh in the table on 26 points, 10 adrift of 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 bad and we can have him back for the next games.

“This is the time when opportunities come for other players — the time to step up and show you deserve to be in the team and play more minutes. We are Manchester United, and we have to find a way to win.”