Red Devils attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes has spoken in glowing terms about rumoured Manchester United target and his Portugal teammate Diogo Costa.
The 23-year-old, who plays for FC Porto, made a crucial save to deny Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur in Portugal’s 2-0 win against Uruguay on Monday night.
With the Group H clash goalless after 33 minutes, the former Juventus midfielder would have scored one of the goals of the tournament if he hadn’t been denied by the heroics of Costa.
Uruguay’s number six went on a driving run from inside his own half, skipping past three Selecao players, before being thwarted by Portugal’s number 22 from inside the penalty area.
Fernandes went on to grab the headlines by scoring both of Portugal’s goals, but it was Costa’s crucial intervention which ensured Fernando Santos’ side didn’t fall behind against La Celeste.
Bruno Fernandes talks up Manchester United target Diogo Costa
Porto’s number 99 scared the life out of every Portuguese supporter on his World Cup debut in the 3-2 win against Ghana.
With seconds remaining in added time, Costa, who had the ball in his hands, had no idea Black Stars forward Inaki Williams was waiting behind him hoping the Portuguese stopper would drop the ball and he could pounce.
Costa fell into Williams’ trap, but luckily for the nine-time Portugal international the Athletic Bilbao speedster failed to capitalise and score a last-gasp equaliser for the Africans.
Costa was back to his reassuring best against Uruguay and his performances will be crucial to Portugal’s chances of success in Qatar.
He’s already saved four penalties this season, three of which have come in the Champions League, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him produce further spot kick heroics at some stage in his maiden World Cup.
While Manchester United have the option of extending David de Gea’s contract by a further 12 months, with his current deal set to expire in June, The Athletic have previously reported that the Red Devils have been scouting Costa, ahead of a potential move next summer.
Earlier this month Costa signed a new contract with Portuguese giants Porto until 2027, but his new deal does reportedly contain a £65 million release clause.
Costa’s fellow Portugal teammate Diogo Dalot has already seemingly given his seal of approval if United opted to pursue him in the summer.
But it was Fernandes’ turn to praise the stopper after his vital contribution against Uruguay.
United’s number eight commented on Costa’s Instagram post: “Giant”.
While former Porto and Brazil goalkeeper Helton believes that Costa can become the “best goalkeeper in the world”.
Speaking via Noticias ao Minuto, the retired 44-year-old said: “He [Costa] has the possibility of being the best goalkeeper in the world.
“I knew his qualities, and this is not a surprise to me. He took over at FC Porto and the national team as well, and this, even if there is Rui Patrício, an excellent goalkeeper.”
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