Dec 24 (Reuters) - Manchester United manager Ruben ‌Amorim said it will be impossible to replace injured captain Bruno Fernandes but insisted on Wednesday ‌that the Portugal midfielder's absence presents an opportunity for others to step up.

Fernandes was forced ‌off at halftime during Sunday's 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa with a soft-tissue injury, leaving United without their creative fulcrum and set-piece organiser.