6/8 duels won, 7 defensive actions, 2 big chances: £54m United star was a ‘different player’ for his country last night | OneFootball

Portugal continued their winning streak with a 3-1 victory over Poland on the road in the Nations League.

Roberto Martinez’s side opened the scoring through Bernardo Silva before Cristiano Ronaldo made it 2-0 before the break. Piotr Zielinski reduced the deficit in the 76th minute, but an own goal from Jad Bednarek put the game beyond doubt.

There were several stand-out performers for the visitors and Bruno Fernandes was one of them. The 30-year-old has not been at his best for Manchester United this term, but he looked a ‘different player’ for his country, as described by Goal.com.

Fernandes won an impressive six out of eight duels with seven defensive actions. He provided four key passes with two big chances created. He was a constant threat with his distribution and this should please United ahead of the restart on Saturday.

The £54 million-rated star has been poor this campaign with one assist from nine Premier League and Europa League games. This has coincided with the club’s dismal start to the season. They are languishing 14th in the league with eight points.

The club have not fared better in Europe either with back-to-back draws. United need Fernandes back to his best to turnaround their fortunes. Saturday’s league game against Brentford at Old Trafford appears a must-win to stay in the Champions League race.

The Red Devils are six points adrift of the top four and can’t afford to lose further ground. Manager Erik ten Hag has kept his job on the back of five winless games, but he could be dismissed from the helm if United miss out on three points this weekend.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Fotmob.com

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