Bruno Fernandes has released a statement following his World Cup exit, with the Manchester United star admitting he's not happy
Bruno Fernandes has released a World Cup statement after Portugal were knocked out
Bruno Fernandes has released a World Cup statement after Portugal were knocked out(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))
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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed his despair in a statement addressing Portugal's World Cup elimination at the hands of Spain. A late Mikel Merino goal saw his nation knocked out at the last-16 stage, and now Fernandes has issued an official verdict.
He wrote on X: "Sad, frustrated, and disillusioned. This group of players made my expectations high, not only for the quality, but also for the fact of the incredible group that we built over these years.
"Thank you to all the players, technical team, and all the staff who accompanied and helped us every day during the World Cup. To all the Portuguese, a huge thank you for your support and belief."
Fernandes started every Portugal game overseas but managed just one assist with a group-stage finish of second setting his nation up for a challenging path to the final.
A last-gasp strike against Croatia got them beyond the last-32 stage but they were met by European champions Spain in the following round, who were yet to concede a goal at the tournament.
Roberto Martinez's side held firm for 90 minutes, but Merino ghosted into the box in the first minute of added time and fired past Diogo Costa to decide the contest.
In the immediate aftermath of the defeat, Cristiano Ronaldo was captured visibly emotional with what was expected to be his final World Cup appearance. It was definitely the final game for Martinez, with the former Everton and Wigan head coach resigning from his post.
Bruno Fernandes celebrates with Manchester United stars
Portugal's World Cup elimination at least gave Manchester United a Bruno Fernandes return boost
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Though United may have liked to see Fernandes go further, such an early exit means he and Diogo Dalot will be back for pre-season sooner than the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui, who are all in the quarter-finals.
The priority for the last few weeks at Old Trafford has been transfers, and that will almost certainly remain the case throughout July.
United are yet to confirm a new signing but Brazilian midfield duo Ederson and Andrey Santos are expected to join the club. An agreement has been in place for the former for some time while the Chelsea star is set to join in a £50million deal that was only agreed earlier this week.
Wrexham are United's first pre-season opponents with that friendly to take place in just nine days. Michael Carrick's side also take on Rosenberg in July before facing Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds and AC Milan the following month.