Portuguese media have reacted to Bruno Fernandes’ performance against Hungary ahead of his Manchester United return.
Image Credits: Imago Images
With the international break coming to an end, all eyes are turning back to domestic football, and Manchester United’s upcoming clash with Liverpool already promises to be a fiery one.
The fixture at Anfield will test not only Ruben Amorim’s tactical resolve but also the fitness of his key players returning from national duty.
United fans will be hoping for positive news on Bruno Fernandes, who has been one of the club’s most consistent performers this season.
However, reports from Portugal have cast doubt over his physical condition following a difficult night for his country.
During Portugal’s 2-2 draw with Hungary, Cristiano Ronaldo stole the spotlight once again, netting twice to set a new record for the most goals in World Cup qualifying history.
The Portuguese captain’s brace took his tally to 41, overtaking Guatemala legend Carlos Ruiz’s previous record of 39.
But while Ronaldo celebrated another milestone, it was a night to forget for Bruno Fernandes, who was booked early in the second half and substituted after 62 minutes.
The booking means he will miss Portugal’s penultimate World Cup qualifier against Ireland in Dublin, but it’s his apparent fatigue that has raised concern among the media and, by extension, Manchester United fans.
Portuguese outlet Renascença criticised Fernandes’ performance, writing that both he and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva “showed some physical fatigue,” suggesting that neither player looked at their sharpest.
The report warned that Fernandes appeared “off the pace” and not his usual creative self, which will be worrying news for Amorim as United prepare for one of their toughest fixtures of the season.
Another respected publication, A Bola, gave Fernandes a modest 6/10 rating and noted his lack of influence on the match.
Their analysis stated: “He hit the post once in the second half, but that was perhaps the only time he managed to find space in the central corridor.
“For this reason, he often appeared close to the line, especially on the left, but without gaining any influence.”
Record also weighed in, saying that Fernandes looked “visibly frustrated” as Portugal’s midfield struggled to maintain control.
They added that “his movements were predictable and he failed to break Hungary’s pressing lines,” marking a rare off night for the United playmaker.
After the match, Bruno Fernandes admitted Portugal had lost control after his substitution.
“We entered their game in the last 30 minutes, a transitional game, and we opened up the field a lot,” he said.
“We were controlling the game well, pinning them back and creating opportunities.
“Suddenly, we started to enter that transitional game that didn’t benefit us.”
Despite the disappointment, Portugal still lead Group F by five points with two matches remaining.
Yet, for United supporters, the focus remains on whether Fernandes will be fully fit to feature against Liverpool, a match that could define their momentum heading into a critical phase of the Premier League campaign.