Bruno Fernandes spotted limping

Bruno Fernandes is the last Manchester United player supporters will want to see carrying an injury concern ahead of Sunday’s derby.

The captain has become the heartbeat of Michael Carrick’s team, carrying creative responsibility, setting the tempo and repeatedly producing when United need him most.

Last season, that influence was recognised with the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, underlining just how central he had become to United’s resurgence.

This campaign has already followed a similar pattern.

United began with a dreadful 2-0 defeat at Hull City before Fernandes dragged them back into life against Ipswich Town, scoring a hat-trick and adding an assist in the 5-2 victory at Old Trafford.

A 2-2 draw at Everton followed, before United produced their most convincing performance yet in Thursday’s Champions League opener against Sabah FK.

Fernandes scored again in the 4-0 win, helping United mark their return to Europe’s elite competition with exactly the sort of result Carrick needed.

That should have made the night feel perfect.

Instead, one sight after full-time has left supporters fearing the worst.

Bruno Fernandes spotted limping after Sabah FK win

Fernandes was seen limping heavily while leaving Old Trafford following the victory.

The 32-year-old was reportedly walking alongside members of United’s medical staff and appeared to be favouring one side as he made his way away from the stadium.

There is, however, one encouraging detail.

Fernandes completed the full 90 minutes against Sabah and did not appear to be struggling during the match itself, meaning the issue could prove to be no more than a knock.

United will desperately hope that is the case.

Sunday brings Manchester City to Old Trafford and losing Fernandes before the biggest game of the season so far would be a devastating blow.

His numbers tell only part of the story. Fernandes is United’s leader, chief creator and one of the few players capable of changing a game with one pass or one strike.

After scoring four goals in his last three appearances, the timing of any setback could hardly be worse.

For now, supporters can only wait for Carrick’s next update and hope the limp looked more frightening than it truly was.