Bruno Fernandes sent home early from Portugal international duty – Fabrizio Romano

Bruno Fernandes will return to Manchester United and not take part in Portugal’s next match against Croatia on Monday.

The United skipper was in fine form last night as his national side trounced Poland 5-1 in the Nations League.

A sublime strike from outside the area rifled into the top of the Polish net in what was the highlight for the player, whose return to form has come at exactly the right time.

And with the Seleção now certain of finishing top of League A Group 1, as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, head coach Roberto Martinez has released Fernandes, along with Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto and Bernardo Silva, opting instead to give some fringe players a chance against the Croats on Monday.

It is a fantastic boost for United as it means that the captain will be available for the full week’s training that marks the start of countryman Ruben Amorim’s tenure as head coach of United.

Communication between captain and coach is vital to a football club, especially in the early stages of a management role, when the team is learning the methods of the new coach.

It is also a relief from the point of view of keeping Fernandes fresh with a heavy schedule of fixtures awaiting the Red Devils.

They are scheduled to play two matches every week between now and the end of the year.

It remains to be seen whether Amorim’s arrival marks a change in role for Fernandes, who has almost always played in the number 10 position at Old Trafford.

If as expected Amorim sticks to the 3-4-3 formation he played at Sporting, this would have to change.

Fernandes’ role could either be adapted to be a twin inside forward or he could be pushed back into central midfield in a much deeper 8 role.

Such adaptations make it all the more important that he is able to return to Carrington ahead of schedule and get to work with Amorim on Monday.

Bruno Fernandes has 5 goals and 2 assists in his last 5 games for club and country 👏

In fine form 📈 pic.twitter.com/uG1LxLxvk5

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 15, 2024

Featured image Euan Cherry via Getty Images