Cristiano Ronaldo picked up a yellow card amid his celebrations after scoring Portugal’s winner against Republic of Ireland.
Ronaldo was also celebrating becoming the all-time greatest international goalscorer, netting his record-breaking 110th and 111th goals for his country.
The forward’s yellow card means he is suspended for Portugal’s World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan next week.
That is good news for Manchester United as it means Ronaldo could head to Old Trafford early.
Manager comments on suspension
Ronaldo’s international boss Fernando Santos addressed Ronaldo’s suspension in his post-match press conference.
Santos told Mais Futebol: “That’s the part I don’t like at all, him being left out. But I understand. Very strong emotion, two goals, Portugal getting a result, but I think he’s already regretting it.
“The rest we are all satisfied. But it was always going to happen. It was already tied. If not today, it could be another day.
“Let’s decide if he stays (with the squad). Once you’re away, it doesn’t make sense to go to Azerbaijan. Taking a player in these conditions, let’s think.”
Ronaldo likely to return early to Manchester
Santos did not clarify 100 per cent, but he is quite clearly leaning towards not taking Ronaldo to Azerbaijan with the rest of the squad.
It would be needless air miles for Ronaldo to clock up just to watch his team from the sidelines.
Portugal have to learn to win without Ronaldo and this is an opportunity for them to do so.
There is a friendly match against Qatar in Doha on Saturday which Ronaldo is eligible for.
Unless Portugal want to practice without Ronaldo or it was already agreed he would sit that one out, then he would still be eligible to play this match.
Afterwards Ronaldo is likely to be free to leave the Portugal squad and fly to Manchester a few days early.
He could get a full week at Carrington to prepare to make his debut in the Premier League against Newcastle on Saturday September 11.
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