Bruno Fernandes delivered a performance for Portugal that might have Manchester United worried ahead of the return to club football this week.
Portugal defeated Hungary in a five-goal thriller on Tuesday night, with an 86th-minute goal from Joao Cancelo securing a late win for them.
This followed goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva, while Man United’s Fernandes could not get himself on the scoresheet.
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After an underwhelming start to his 2025-26 campaign at Old Trafford, Fernandes didn’t put together his strongest display for his international side, which isn’t going to inspire many fans ahead of the Manchester derby.
Bruno Fernandes of Portugal looks to pass the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Hungary and Portugal
Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Man United’s Bruno Fernandes delivered an unusual performance
Fernandes featured for 66 minutes in Portugal’s win against Hungary before being replaced by Francisco Trincao, which is an unusual scenario for the Man United captain to find himself in.
However, it wasn’t his strongest night at the office, and the Portuguese media reflected that as A Bola rated his performance a five out of 10.
‘He’s not doing everything exactly as he’d like or as he’s accustomed to. And he’s accustomed us all to it.
‘He maintains his leadership profile and continues to be an attacking beacon, but occasionally he’s had balls that he usually resolves more effectively, particularly in the final third.
‘His substitution in the 66th minute seemed almost natural.’
Match Stats Fernandes
Successful Dribbles 0/2 (0%)
Accurate Crosses 1/2 (50%)
Accurate Passes 37/42 (88%)
Dispossessed 2
Bruno Fernandes’ match stats vs. Hungary – via FotMob
The 31-year-old made 58 touches throughout the game as he struggled to get a grip on the game in his usual manner, while he also won none of his duels on the ground or aerially.
Man United opted not to cash in on Bruno Fernandes
Man United had the opportunity to sell Fernandes this past summer, as they could have made more than £47million on him.
However, TBR Football revealed in May that Man United had decided to keep Fernandes, regardless of what bids were made for him.
Ruben Amorim values Fernandes highly, and his attacking output throughout his tenure at the 20-time champions has been unbelievable, especially for a team that hasn’t been flourishing.
Bruno Fernandes Stats Games Played Goals Assists Minutes Played
Premier League 3 1 – 270′
EFL Cup 1 – – 45′
Bruno Fernandes’ Man United stats 2025-26
Still, the Red Devils will now hope that Fernandes can recapture that form and get the club back to its former glory with him as captain.
Man United have had an underwhelming start to the season after being knocked out of the EFL Cup by Grimsby Town, and only winning one of their opening three Premier League fixtures.
But things don’t get any easier for Amorim’s men, as their next test will be against Manchester City on Sunday.