Portugal boss Roberto Martinez is describing Bruno Fernandes as a manager’s ‘dream’ after the Manchester United star provided yet another assist over the weekend.
You’d be hard pressed to find a single manager in Bruno Fernandes’ present or past with a bad word to say about Manchester United’s talismanic captain.
Few players go about their business with such an inscrutable consistency, Fernandes constantly putting ‘side before self’, whether it’s by filling in out wide for Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford or by taking second-billing behind Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal.
Fernandes set up his old United team-mate during Friday night’s 3-2 triumph over Slovakia, after assisting Goncalo Ramos’ opener with a typically pinpoint delivery. No player in Euro 2024 qualifying has more assists now than his seven.
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes shines again
“He is a very good professional. He is a player who has seven assists. An intelligent player. A player who adapts to the qualities of his team-mates, who gives us a lot of tactical flexibility,” Martinez tells A Bola.
“For a coach, Bruno Fernandes is a dream. he has a high level of execution, technically. He has vision which I think is of superlative quality, and I really like his work-rate.
“(Bruno) has adapted to many positions. He gives us structure, he gives us balance. He’s a key player for us.”
In his last six appearances for the Iberian nation, Fernandes has a remarkable 11 goal contributions. And, even after turning 29 in September, it appears that Martinez can rely on one of the most creative footballers in Europe for the foreseeable future, Man United’s number eight setting his sights on the 2030 World Cup already.
Most assists in Euro 2024 qualifying
A place (in the Portugal squad) is getting more and more valuable,” Fernandes tells RTP. “Increasingly, clubs are investing in youth teams, so that more players come (to the national team).
“At that time (of the 2030 World Cup, a squad place) will be even more valuable. But, if I’m fit and I’m at a level that is the minimum acceptable to be there, I hope to be there.
“Representing the national team in a major competition and in the country itself is very special. I hope to be present.”
The post 'Superlative quality': National boss says £47m Man United star is a manager's 'dream' appeared first on United In Focus.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/Vzsx1H4