Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes delivered a fantastic performance for Portugal during their 5-2 friendly win over Sweden last night.
The 29-year-old has been a key player for his country for several years. He was picked from the starting XI by manager Roberto Martinez yesterday.
Fernandes played the entire 90 minutes at the Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques. He registered Portugal’s third goal with a wonderful late run into the box.
The United star provided an assist for Bruma in the 57th minute. Aside from his goal involvements, Fernandes completed 100 per cent of his dribbles.
The hard-working midfielder also won three ground duels and two tackles. He had a good pass accuracy of 83 per cent, delivering three long balls.
Martinez made several changes to the starting line-up. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and other key players were rested for the friendly at home.
Fernandes was one of four outfield players alongside Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Joao Palhinha, who played the full 90 minutes against Sweden.
Knowing his attitude, the Red Devils skipper will be raring to start against Slovenia, but fans will be hoping that the midfielder is given a breather.
Prior to the international break, Fernandes suffered a dead leg in the FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool. He played in defence in extra-time.
Hopefully, he will start on the bench in the next international friendly. United need him in the best physical condition for the season run-in.
The club are currently nine points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa in the Premier League with a game in hand. They are six points adrift of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
United have a better schedule on paper than their league rivals, but will need to build a long winning streak to leapfrog the duo to the final Champions League berth.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
