Bruno Fernandes has triple reason for celebration, ex-teammate hails ‘incredible player’

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Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes had a day to remember as Portugal took on Scotland, and three reasons to celebrate.

Heading into Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match with Scotland, Bruno Fernandes already had two reasons to celebrate.

The match took place on his birthday, with the Manchester United midfielder now turning 30.

And the game was also Fernandes’ 600th match as a professional footballer for club and country, a milestone which is testament to his endurance.

• READ MORE: Who is Bruno Fernandes? Inside the life of Manchester United’s Portuguese Magnifico

Bruno Fernandes helps Portugal to win

Bruno Fernandes scored Portugal’s first goal of the game, an effort from the edge of the box which squeezed into the bottom corner.

Cristiano Ronaldo came off the bench to score the winner in the second half, his 901st professional goal.

The goal was the third and most important reason for Fernandes to celebrate, it was also his first goal of the season – although he admits it was not an easy game.

Speaking to TVI after the win, Fernandes said: “It’s not perfect, I would have preferred it to be less painful… It’s always gratifying to score for the national team, especially on my birthday.”

Fernandes admitted he was not aware of the 600 career game milestone until shortly before the match.

He added: “I had no idea, Rui Silva told me this morning. It’s a nice number, I hope to increase it. Not that playing a lot of games is the best thing in the world, for me it’s because I love playing football and representing the national team has a special flavour.”

Fernandes praised by Scott McTominay

The international match saw Bruno Fernandes go up against former Manchester United teammate Scott McTominay, recently sold to Napoli.

McTominay opened the scoring for Scotland, threatening to spring a surprise before Fernandes and Ronaldo hauled Portugal to a win.

Speaking after the game, McTominay only had positive words for Bruno Fernandes.

He is quoted via TVI: “I played with Bruno for many years and he is an incredible player and person. He helped me a lot in my career.

“I am very grateful to him. I wish him every success.”