Portugal manager Roberto Martinez explains why Bruno Fernandes has earned so much respect among his teammates, and why he believes the Manchester United captain is ‘unfairly assessed’ for his efforts.
Bruno Fernandes is equally important to the Portugal national team as he is to Manchester United.
The year 2026 comes with multiple objectives for Fernandes. He will be aiming to qualify for the Champions League with United and to win the World Cup with Portugal.
Bruno Fernandes is up there with United’s greats in the Premier League era
Do you think Bruno can get to 300 combined goals and assists for United?
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In the Premier League this season, Fernandes has scored six goals on top of 12 assists in 24 appearances. United are currently fourth in the league table and in contention to return to Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Roberto Martinez hugging Bruno Fernandes
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Roberto Martinez hails Bruno Fernandes impact
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez paid tribute to United captain Fernandes on the latest episode of The Overlap.
Fernandes played a significant role behind Portugal’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while Cristiano Ronaldo remained a focal point for much of the campaign.
It was Fernandes’ leadership that proved crucial for Portugal, and that will continue when the World Cup kicks off this summer.
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Martinez was asked about Fernandes’ impressive numbers on the pitch, but the former Wigan and Everton manager stressed that the playmaker is ‘unfairly assessed’ and hailed his willingness to never hide when the going gets tough.
“I think he’s very unfairly assessed, I would say, because I think if we are very objective, to be the captain of Manchester United in the last three or four years, I bet it’s been incredibly tough at every level.
“And what I appreciate from him is he never hides. Never hides. And I’m not going to value if he makes the right pass, the right execution. But whatever happens in any action, he’s the one that is, he’s a leader. He’s a leader.
“And the way he’s very emotional, but in a very respected way by his teammates. When the teammates see Bruno upset, they react, they know that is something.”
What does Bruno Fernandes have to do in 2026 to challenge for the Ballon d’Or?
Win the World Cup? Win the Premier League POTY? Break the assist record?
Bruno Fernandes Ballon d'Or Talking points graphic.
Credit: Getty Images.
Bruno Fernandes stats for Portugal
While Fernandes has won the UEFA Nations League twice with Portugal, the United star will be aiming to go all the way in the World Cup this summer.
The 31-year-old has made 85 appearances, scoring 28 goals and registering 24 assists.
Martinez hopes that Fernandes can build on that at the World Cup because Portugal will need him at his best to enjoy success at the tournament.
In Fernandes’ last game for Portugal against Armenia, they won 9-1, and he scored a hat-trick.
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