Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has received a timely reminder that squad rotation must remain firmly on his mind.
Bruno Fernandes is currently not fully fit and was forced to miss Portugal’s clash with Norway yesterday.
Fernandes featured in the opening UEFA Nations League game last week but the Portugal manager confirmed over the weekend that the midfielder has been playing through pain.
The United skipper had a €65 million (£56m) release clause which was only open to foreign clubs earlier this summer, but that has since expired
He must adapt to the changing demands of the season. At 32, regular rest will be increasingly important if he is to maintain his intensity throughout the campaign.
Fernandes remains the heartbeat of this United side and has missed just six games for the club during his six-year spell at Old Trafford.
That is an exceptional record and deserves to be recognised whenever his remarkable consistency at United is discussed.
However, Carrick must now find ways to keep United creative without becoming overly reliant on their captain.
Mason Mount, Shea Lacey and Amad Diallo can all operate in the number 10 role and could provide Carrick with valuable alternatives.
Joshua Zirkzee has also featured as a second striker, although his lack of defensive work can make him a less suitable option when United need intensity without the ball.
The Red Devils are set to play six games in just 20 days next month, making it unrealistic for Carrick to expect Fernandes to complete 90 minutes in every match.
The risk of their captain suffering a prolonged injury is simply too great when carefully managed rest could help prevent such a scenario.
Fernandes has been the undisputed first choice in the number 10 position, but the time has arrived for other players to step up and shoulder more responsibility.
This period could prove to be a significant test for the United head coach, but it could also create an opportunity for the supporting cast to step up and take their performances to another level.
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