Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and transfer target Rafael Leao featured in Portugal’s dominant win over Uzbekistan in the 2026 World Cup.
Heading into the summer tournament, Bruno Fernandes revealed his dream to win the World Cup, and his Portugal side is among the favourites.
However, Portugal started with a disappointing 1-1 draw. Fernandes was impressive against DR Congo, but there was a severe lack of teamwork in the Portugal side, including frustration at Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo bounced back and scored twice in a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. Fernandes played the full 90 minutes, and there was also a cameo off the bench from United-linked Rafael Leao.
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Portugal media react to Bruno Fernandes and Rafael Leao
Portuguese outlet GoalPoint gave Fernandes an 8.6 rating for his performance – second only to Nuno Mendes in the Portugal squad.
Leao was given a 6.4 rating after coming off the bench to score.
CNN Portugal gave Fernandes an 8/10 rating, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo.
They wrote: “Bruno Fernandes entered the game with a mission: three points at any cost. Just as has been happening at Man United and happened in another life at Alvalade, the now eternal number 8 rose to the occasion in the face of the storm.
“The midfielder entered the field very well, was one of the most dissatisfied with the siege from the initial whistle and ended up galvanizing the victory that Portugal so desperately needed. In the 39th minute, it was from Bruno Fernandes’ feet that the pinpoint pass came for Cristiano Ronaldo’s run, culminating in the 3-0 and CR7’s second goal.
“The number 8 also had an influence on the fourth Portuguese goal by taking the corner on the right that ended up becoming an own goal by Nematov, after much confusion near the near post.”
They gave Leao a 7/10 rating but spotted a problem with the winger in stoppage time.
“Came on eager to make an impact from the first minute and ended up scoring the 5-0 goal. However, in the 90+4th minute, there was an incident that should raise alarm bells.
“After being tackled near the sideline, Leão pushed his Uzbek opponent. After what happened in the game against Chile, the Portuguese forward should start to calm down, because now he has become a repeat offender.”
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Fernandes is now the face of this current Manchester United squad as captain and a key player.
After making history by breaking the Premier League assist record, he has carried his positive momentum into the 2026 World Cup.
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Despite being surrounded by world-class players and several Champions League winners, it is Fernandes who is grabbing games by the scruff of the neck.
Against Congo and Uzbekistan, Fernandes has been among the standout players for Portugal. He now has his first assist to his name, and fans can expect plenty more to follow.
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