Bruno Fernandes played in multiple positions during Portugal’s dominant win over Uzbekistan in the 2026 World Cup.
An emphatic 5-0 win against Uzbekistan was exactly what Bruno Fernandes and his Portugal teammates needed after a tricky start in the 2026 World Cup.
Fernandes’ performance against Uzbekistan was impressive, with the Manchester United captain registering his first assist of the tournament to set up Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portuguese press rated Fernandes as one of the best players on the pitch, and one of the reasons was that he showed off his impressive positional versatility.
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Bruno Fernandes changes position for Portugal vs Uzbekistan
In the 2025/26 season, there is no denying that Fernandes played his best football in an attacking midfield position under Michael Carrick.
Fernandes broke the assist record playing as a No.10. The position allows him to roam, create and dictate play.
For Portugal, Fernandes started in a No.10 position against Uzbekistan in a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.
However, manager Roberto Martinez shifted his shape in the second half with Portugal smooth sailing.
When Bernardo Silva was brought on to replace Joao Neves, and Vitinha was replaced by United-linked Rafael Leao, Fernandes dropped into a central midfield position on the right.
Fernandes continued to carve opportunities for teammates, with two big chances created at full-time, but he also protected the ball brilliantly in midfield with an 85% pass completion rate.
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Bruno Fernandes’ future could be in a 3-man midfield
It is often seen in football that players drop further back the pitch as they age.
Take United legend Wayne Rooney for example. In his youth, a fierce forward. In his later years, an intelligent midfielder.
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Fernandes is still just 31 years old, and pace is not exactly a key part of his game, but a deeper midfield position could be where his future lies.
Ruben Amorim played Fernandes in a two-man midfield at United, but it was a decision made way too early by the Portuguese head coach. Fernandes’ creativity was needed further up the pitch by United last season.
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