Bruno Fernandes facing injury layoff? Man Utd star’s wife posts picture of midfielder with crutches & protective boot after FA Cup semi-final

• Midfielder forced off against Brighton
• Red Devils into the FA Cup final
• Key man set for spell on the sidelines?

WHAT HAPPENED? The Portuguese playmaker picked up an untimely knock during the Red Devils’ FA Cup semi-final clash with Brighton. Erik ten Hag’s side emerged victorious in that contest, holding their nerve in a penalty shootout to set up a historic derby date with arch-rivals Manchester City on June 3, but said success may have come at a cost. Fernandes hurt his ankle during another outing at Wembley Stadium and, with United having considered replacing him at the time of the incident and at half-time, eventually took in 101 minutes of action against the Seagulls.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE: Fernandes was determined to play on, but he was ultimately replaced by Wout Weghorst in extra-time and appears set to take in an enforced spell on the sidelines – with the 28-year-old’s wife, Ana Pinho, posting a picture of the midfielder donning a protective boot alongside a “recharging” caption.

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WHAT NEXT? United, who have already lost Lisandro Martinez to a season-ending injury and have Raphael Varane nursing a knock at present, will be back in Premier League action on Thursday when taking in a trip to Tottenham – with there fears that Fernandes will be forced to sit out that trip to north London.