Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes featured for Portugal in their latest World Cup qualifier against Hungary.
Just days after Bruno Fernandes starred in a 5-0 win for Portugal against Armenia, he was back in the starting lineup for their latest World Cup qualifier on Tuesday evening.
Fernandes scored a late winner against Burnley in his last club match before jetting off to international duty this week. He has avoided injury ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby, but his latest performance might be a slight concern for Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese playmaker, who celebrated his 31st birthday on Monday, will now return to Manchester ready to resume the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
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Bruno Fernandes struggles, but Portugal win
Portugal sit top of their World Cup qualifying group after back-to-back wins this break. Sadly, Diogo Dalot pulled out of the squad with an injury, meaning he played no part in either game.
But Bruno Fernandes featured in both matches, and interestingly was pushed forward back into a No.10 role by manager Roberto Martinez.
Fernandes started in an attacking role playing behind former United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, with Pedro Neto and Bernardo Silva either side of him.
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Portugal won 3-2 on the night, but Fernandes failed to score or assist in any of the goals.
As per SofaScore, Fernandes only earned a 6.5 rating after failing to win a single duel in his performance (0/6), failing to complete any dribbles (0/2) and losing possession 15 times.
Fernandes had a night to forget against Hungary, and he was replaced by Martinez just before the hour mark – something that does not happen often at United.
Portuguese media were quickly on the scene to react to Fernandes’ performance, and their verdict isn’t what United fans will want to hear.
O Jogo gave Fernandes a 5/10 rating for his performance, adding: “Despite being somewhat subdued, he was the first to threaten the Hungarian goal in the 7th minute, but missed the deflection by mere centimetres. It would have been a great gift for anyone who celebrated their 31st birthday the day before.”
Portuguese outlet A Bola also gave Fernandes a 5/10 for his efforts. They wrote: “He’s not doing everything exactly as he’d like or as he’s accustomed to. And he’s accustomed us all to it.
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“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.”
Not the kind of performance that will drum up confidence ahead of an important Manchester derby.