0 key passes, 0% crosses, 50% duels won: United leader flatters to deceive once again at World Cup

Manchester United have had a plethora of players in action during this 2026 World Cup in North America. Tournament Numerous players have safely made it through to the last 16 of the tournament with their nation, and Portugal were the latest to do so last night. The Portuguese finally defeated Croatia 2-1 in a topsy-turvy game. Diogo Dalot spent the entire game on the bench, but Bruno Fernandes started for his side. Fernandes has been a pivotal player for Manchester United this season, providing a record 21 assists in the Premier League. Nonetheless, he has failed to kick into gear this tournament as Portugal have often laboured, and he has only made one assist, in the 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. Match vs Croatia Fernandes’ lack of influence on the game was evident as he was substituted in the 63rd minute with the Portuguese one goal down to the Croatians. Shortly after, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty and Goncalo Ramos won the match in the 94th minute. Fernandes had no key passes in the match and failed to connect with any of his three cross attempts. He did look after the ball well, keeping it for 90% of the time. The Manchester United captain did have two shots on goal, one that hit the target and another that was well blocked by the Croatian defence. Fernandes also helped out defensively, winning a tackle, but he could only come out on top in 50% of his duels. The 31-year-old will hope to have much more of a positive impact on the game in the last 16, when the Portuguese take on the unenviable task of facing European champions Spain on Monday 6th July. Bruno Fernandes stats vs Croatia StatisticValue Goals0 Expected goals (xG)0.53 Assists0 Expected assists (xA)0.06 Key passes0 Crosses (accurate)3 (0) Accurate passes28/31 (90%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)21/24 (88%) Passes in own half (acc.)7/7 (100%) Long balls (accurate)2/2 (100%) Total shots2 Expected goals on target (xGOT)0.4 Shots on target1 Shots blocked1 Touches46 Unsuccessful touches1 Dribbles (successful)2 (0) Was fouled2 Possession lost10 Total carrying distance94.3 m Carries10 Progressive carries2 Total progression53.4 m Progressive carrying distance38.4 m Longest progressive carry17.3 m Def. contributions1 Tackles (won)1 (1) Interceptions0 Clearances0 Blocked shots0 Recoveries2 Ground duels (won)6 (3) Dribbled past0 Featured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.