Saha urges United to move for Rogers as Fernandes absence exposes creative gap

Manchester United face a rare test of their attacking structure on Boxing Day, with Bruno Fernandes sidelined for only the second Premier League match he has missed through injury since joining the club, and Louis Saha believes the moment underlines the need to sign Morgan Rogers in January.

The Portuguese captain is out with a hamstring issue as United prepare to host Newcastle, leaving Ruben Amorim without the player around whom much of his creative play is built. With margins tight at the top end of the table, Fernandes’ absence has sharpened the focus on whether United have enough invention beyond their talisman.

The problem is compounded by the unavailability of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, both away on Africa Cup of Nations duty. Their absence strips Amorim of his three most inventive attackers at once, placing unusual responsibility on a supporting cast that has rarely been asked to carry the creative burden together.

Fernandes’ durability makes the situation even more striking. Since arriving at Old Trafford, he has missed only two league games through injury, both in May 2024, plus one illness-related absence in March 2022. That reliability has allowed United to design their attacking patterns around him, and this enforced break exposes how little margin for error there is when he is not available.

Saha believes the solution lies in the transfer market and sees Rogers as an ideal fit. Speaking to FootItalia, the former United striker argued that Rogers offers the blend of athleticism, ball security and forward thrust that Amorim’s midfield lacks without Fernandes. He pointed to Rogers’ ability to drive forward, withstand pressure and make intelligent decisions in possession as qualities that could immediately raise United’s level.

Rogers has already provided a timely reminder of his impact. He was the decisive figure in Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over United at Villa Park, scoring both goals with composed, curling finishes. That victory extended Villa’s winning run to 10 matches and underlined their emergence as genuine title contenders.

The contrast was stark on the day. As Fernandes limped off injured, Rogers dominated the spaces United struggled to control, using his power and timing to turn possession into end product. It was a clear illustration of the type of midfielder United miss most when their captain is absent.

There is also a connection that could ease any potential move. Rogers previously worked under United director of football Jason Wilcox during his time at Manchester City, where Wilcox oversaw the academy when City signed the teenager from West Bromwich Albion in 2019. That familiarity could help negotiations, even if Rogers’ senior breakthrough has come elsewhere.

Any deal, however, would be complex. Aston Villa are under no pressure to sell a player central to their current success, with Rogers contracted until 2030 and set to sign an extension until 2031 on improved terms. For United, the Boxing Day test without Fernandes may yet prove decisive in determining whether they are willing to pay the price to close a creative gap that has rarely been so clearly exposed.