Man Utd injury latest after Leeds showdown as major Bruno Fernandes update emerges

Bruno Fernandes could return to the Manchester United squad next week. ( Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Matheus Cunha was the hero for Manchester United, scoring their goal to secure a 1-1 draw against arch rivals Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.

Ruben Amorim 's squad began the New Year with a challenging journey to their old west Yorkshire adversaries. Things seemed to be going sour after half-time when Brendan Aaronson broke free to score the opening goal. However, an instant response saw Cunha latch on to a through ball from Joshua Zirkzee and coolly finish at the other end just 88 seconds later.

United were unable to fully turn the game around, though, leaving them in fifth place in the Premier League , at least until further matches are played this weekend.

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They sit two points behind fourth-placed Liverpool , who had a chance to extend their lead when they went to Fulham on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, Chelsea also had the opportunity to reclaim fifth place in their match against Manchester City, rounding off the weekend's action.

However, United will know the race for Champions League qualification is more of a marathon than a sprint. The fact they managed to escape their draw against Leeds without any additional injuries could be seen as a positive.

1 of 8 Bruno Fernandes Bruno Fernandes has been absent for three matches after he pulled up with a hamstring issue during last month's defeat to Aston Villa. Amorim confirmed that he would miss Sunday's clash at Elland Road and, after that showdown, added extra information that the captain is pushing for a return - at least as a substitute - against Burnley. Possible return date: January 7 vs Burnley (A) ( Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Bruno Fernandes has been absent for three matches after he pulled up with a hamstring issue during last month's defeat to Aston Villa. Amorim confirmed that he would miss Sunday's clash at Elland Road and, after that showdown, added extra information that the captain is pushing for a return - at least as a substitute - against Burnley.

2 of 8 Mason Mount Mason Mount was withdrawn at half-time of the Boxing Day showdown against Newcastle United with a suspected injury, and has missed the two matches since including Leeds. In his update about Fernandes after Sunday's match, Amorim also clarified that Mount is in-line to get some minutes in the club's next outing. Possible return date: January 7 vs Burnley (A) ( Image: Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images)

Mason Mount was withdrawn at half-time of the Boxing Day showdown against Newcastle United with a suspected injury, and has missed the two matches since including Leeds. In his update about Fernandes after Sunday's match, Amorim also clarified that Mount is in-line to get some minutes in the club's next outing.

3 of 8 Kobbie Mainoo Kobbie Mainoo has now missed four matches with a calf problem. The midfielder has not been given a specific return date as he works towards his return. Possible return date: January 7 vs Burnley (A) ( Image: (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images))

Kobbie Mainoo has now missed four matches with a calf problem. The midfielder has not been given a specific return date as he works towards his return.

4 of 8 Harry Maguire Harry Maguire has missed almost two months worth of action after suffering a thigh injury in the November draw away against Tottenham - with no return date ever set. Return date: TBC ( Image: Getty Images)

Harry Maguire has missed almost two months worth of action after suffering a thigh injury in the November draw away against Tottenham - with no return date ever set.

5 of 8 Matthijs de Ligt A back problem has kept a second central defender, Matthijs de Ligt, side-lined for six weeks since the November win vs Crystal Palace. Likewise, plans over his return to playing has been kept quiet. Return date: TBC ( Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

A back problem has kept a second central defender, Matthijs de Ligt, side-lined for six weeks since the November win vs Crystal Palace. Likewise, plans over his return to playing has been kept quiet.

6 of 8 Amad Amad remains absent from United's available options as he continues to represent Ivory Coast at this year's Africa Cup of Nations. The winger scored two goals in three group stage appearances. Up next, his country have a last-16 fixture against Burkina Faso on Tuesday, January 6. The tournament's final is on Sunday, January 18. Latest return date: Sunday, January 25 vs Arsenal (A)

Amad remains absent from United's available options as he continues to represent Ivory Coast at this year's Africa Cup of Nations.

The winger scored two goals in three group stage appearances. Up next, his country have a last-16 fixture against Burkina Faso on Tuesday, January 6.

The tournament's final is on Sunday, January 18.

7 of 8 Bryan Mbeumo Bryan Mbeumo is also away, due to AFCON, playing for Cameroon. He made one assist in three group stage matches and his country have advanced to the last-16, where they will face South Africa tonight. Latest return date: Sunday, January 25 vs Arsenal (A) ( Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Bryan Mbeumo is also away, due to AFCON, playing for Cameroon. He made one assist in three group stage matches and his country have advanced to the last-16, where they will face South Africa tonight.

8 of 8 Noussair Mazraoui Noussair Mazraoui is the third United player currently released for AFCON duty. The full-back is representing tournament hosts Morocco, who have also made it through to the knockout stages. They will meet on Tanzania in the last-16 on Sunday afternoon. Latest return date: Sunday, January 25 vs Arsenal (A) ( Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Noussair Mazraoui is the third United player currently released for AFCON duty.

The full-back is representing tournament hosts Morocco, who have also made it through to the knockout stages. They will meet on Tanzania in the last-16 on Sunday afternoon.