In-form United talent out until February as club statement confirms injury blow

Manchester United are facing something of an injury crisis. In the defeat to Aston Villa, Bruno Fernandes was forced off at half-time with a hamstring problem, adding to the club’s growing list of casualties. The United captain, who is expected to be sidelined for around a month, now joins Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, and Matthijs de Ligt on the injury list. Notably, it is not only those four United players who are sidelined; injuries have also struck members of the squad who are out on loan. Toby Collyer recently made his way back from a loan spell at West Bromwich Albion after sustaining a calf injury, with the young midfielder now beginning his rehabilitation at Carrington. Radek Vitek also injured Meanwhile, United goalkeeper Radek Vitek, who had been excelling on loan at Bristol City, has also been sidelined. The Czech shot-stopper had enjoyed a bright run at Ashton Gate, making 21 appearances and recording seven clean sheets, with a 74.2% save percentage according to Flashscore. Bristol City currently sit ninth in the Championship table, just two points off the play-off spots, and much of their strong start has been attributed to Vitek’s commanding form between the posts. However, the Robins will now have to cope without him. Vitek sustained a knee injury and missed his loan side’s 2-0 win over Middlesbrough, with the setback set to rule him out for a while. Bristol City confirm Vitek injury A Bristol City statement via X read: “Bristol City can confirm Radek Vítek has had a small procedure on his knee.” “We expect the Manchester United loanee to be available in February.” “He will complete his rehabilitation at Bristol City.” ℹ️ Bristol City can confirm Radek Vítek has had a small procedure on his knee. We expect the Manchester United loanee to be available in February. He will complete his rehabilitation at Bristol City. pic.twitter.com/U8qyZp6X66 — Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) December 23, 2025 United hoping for respite The hope, therefore, is that Vitek’s recovery will be smooth and that he can return to pick up where he left off. In the meantime, United have managed to cope despite their mounting injuries; however, the strain is beginning to show. Ultimately, the Red Devils will be desperate for respite, with head coach Ruben Amorim needing as many players fit as possible as United chase European qualification after a year in the cold. Feature image Ed Sykes via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.