Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was at his very best as Portugal booked their spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Bruno Fernandes is one of 20 Manchester United players away on international duty this November break, but the 30-year-old faced a frustrating start to the week.
Portugal lost 2-0 to the Republic of Ireland and Fernandes called out Cristiano Ronaldo for being sent off in a critical qualifier.
However, Fernandes made a stunning return to action, scoring a hat-trick in a 9-1 demolition of Armenia on Sunday afternoon.
It guaranteed Fernandes and his teammates the top spot of Group F and guaranteed qualification to the upcoming World Cup in 2026.
Portuguese media wowed by Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes scored three of Portugal’s nine goals, with former United target Joao Neves also scoring a hat-trick for his nation.
Portuguese outlet A Bola could not stop praising Fernandes for his performance, writing: “If it were only the three goals he scored, the Armenians wouldn’t have so many nightmares in the coming times.
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“He gave a recital at the Dragao. He’s on the level of geniuses, those who see further ahead. The way he struck the ball on the free kick from the side that caught Avagyan completely off guard and opened the doors to the first goal proves it.
“In Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence, he was in charge of taking the penalties and was irreproachable.”
CNN Portugal added: “Manchester United midfielder was a bonus for this team against Armenia, providing more options in the attacking third, a keen eye for goal, and crowning his performance with his first hat-trick for Portugal. “
Bruno Fernandes reacts to his first Portugal hat-trick
While Fernandes has scored hat-tricks for United, this was his first on the international stage.
However, he still believes it wasn’t his best performance for his nation.
As quoted by CNN, Fernandes said: “I think I’ve played much more complete games than this one. The difference is that I scored fewer goals and therefore I’m talked about less.
“When a player scores, it gets noticed, it’s in the newspapers, but that’s not my objective. I know I can contribute goals, assists, create plays. My role lately has been to be closer to the striker, to help have more players in the box, less involved in building the play. Maybe that’s why I have less of the ball.”
READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes poses uncomfortable question for Ruben Amorim with hat-trick in Portugal win
Fernandes spoke clearly about his role in the Portugal squad, with Roberto Martinez asking him to play further forward.
It is the opposite message to what Ruben Amorim has asked Fernandes to do at United this season. He has been tasked with playing deeper in a midfield pivot alongside Casemiro.
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