3 goals, 8 key passes: United star puts in masterclass as nation secures safe passage to World Cup

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was in sensational form as Portugal secured their spot in the World Cup next summer. Dazzling display Fernandes has not quite reached his sparkling best for United this season but put on an exhibition for his nation this afternoon. The Portuguese ran out 9-1 winners over Armenia with Fernandes grabbing a hattrick. Fernandes’ first contribution came when his free kick was cleared off the line before Renato Veiga headed in the rebound. He scored his first goal of the match from the penalty spot when he coolly slotted into the bottom left of the goal. Just after half-time Fernandes curled in his second of the match after finding space in the Armenian penalty box. The United star completed his hattrick in the 72nd minute, sticking away another penalty in expert fashion. His three goals now move him up to sixth in the all-time scoring list of Portuguese players, just four behind Luis Figo in fourth place. Much more than goals As per usual, Fernandes put in a monstrous shift all over the pitch. He made a stunning eight key passes and created one big chance in the match. Fernandes also completed seven crosses and 85% of his passes. The all-action midfielder could have grabbed a fourth goal of the afternoon but he was unfortunate as his effort hit the woodwork. The 31 year old also completed his only dribble attempt of the game as he proved a constant thorn in the side of the Eastern Europeans. Fernandes also put in his usual shift in defence, making six recoveries and winning four ground duels in a spectacular showing. His Man United teammate Diogo Dalot was an unused sub in the game. Bruno Fernandes stats vs Armenia StatisticValue Goals3 Assists0 Big chances created1 Key passes8 Crosses (accurate)10 (7) Accurate passes56/66 (85%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)39/52 (75%) Passes in own half (acc.)14/14 (100%) Long balls (accurate)5/7 (71%) Total shots7 Shots on target4 Hit woodwork1 Shots blocked3 Touches92 Unsuccessful touches3 Dribbles (successful)1 (1) Was fouled1 Possession lost16 Tackles (won)2 (0) Interceptions1 Clearances0 Blocked shots0 Recoveries6 Ground duels (won)7 (4) Aerial duels (won)2 (1) Dribbled past3 Source: Sofascore Featured image Carlos Rodrigues via 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.