Manchester United duo Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford were in action for their respective nations in World Cup qualifying yesterday.
Bruno Fernandes
United’s Portuguese captain has had a mixed start to the season.
He was poor against Fulham and missed a penalty in the match at Craven Cottage. Nonetheless, he scored a last-gasp winner against Burnley at Old Trafford just before the international break.
Fernandes put in a very strong performance indeed as his Portugal side ran out 5-0 winners against Armenia.
He did not get on the score sheet, hitting the woodwork and striking the ball just wide in his best two chances.
Nonetheless, he was dangerous on the ball, making four key passes in the match.
The 30-year-old also made 89% of his passes, including 100% of his long ball attempts.
Fernandes was pinpoint in his crossing, completing all five of his attempts.
The Portuguese talisman was also impressive in the midfield battle, completing 100% of his ground and aerial duels in an all-round midfield display.
The Nations League champions will next be in action when they travel to Hungary on Tuesday evening.
Marcus Rashford
The on loan forward has struggled so far at FC Barcelona.
He was given a chance to impress for England from the start against minnows Andorra in his side’s far from convincing 2-0 win.
During his 68 minutes on the pitch, he could only complete 77% of his passes.
He was also only able to have one shot off target against one of the lowest ranked teams in European football.
Rashford was equally unimpressive in his duels, losing four out of his seven ground contests and he did not compete in any aerial battles.
The 27-year-old was able to be successful in two of his three dribble attempts, however.
Nonetheless, he will be disappointed, like most of the English team, he could not play better against such inferior opponents.
He could next be in action on Tuesday when England travel to Serbia.
Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
