If he had tuned into Portugal’s record-breaking 9-0 hammering of Luxembourg on Monday night, Manchester United’s new £64 million centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund must have been licking his lips in anticipation.
Bruno Fernandes, throughout much of last season, resembled something of a Michelin star chef attempting to serve up elite-level dishes with ingredients bulk-bought from your local supermarket; a truly world-class playmaker performing far below his ‘expected assist’ numbers thanks to the wastefulness of Anthony Martial, Wout Weghorst and co.
With Hojlund now in the building, however, Fernandes may finally have the sous chef he craves as Manchester United’s number eight looks to cook up a storm at Old Trafford.
As Portugal secured their biggest-ever competitive win in 122 years at home to the minnows of Luxembourg, Fernandes laid on a clinic in creativity. Three assists, one goal, and a remarkable trivela cross Luka Modric himself would have been proud of.
Bruno Fernandes shines in historic Portugal win
It’s fitting that, in A Bola ’s post-match ratings, Fernandes accumulated as many points as Portugal scored goals on a historic night.
“Among them there was one who stood a few feet above the rest. Bruno was conductor of an orchestra that didn’t miss a single note,” A Bola write; handing Fernandes an almost-perfect 9/10 rating.
“He filled the field with his symphonies, operas, cantatas and solos; providing three assists and scoring the deserved goal himself.”
Cristiano Ronaldo may remain Portugal’s swaggering frontman but this is a side dancing to Fernandes’ tune these days. In six group games during the ongoing qualification stage, Fernandes has no fewer than nine goal contributions.
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Diogo Dalot impresses too
“It’s brutal,” manager Roberto Martinez beams, via Record. “A spectacular effort, and this allows the group to create history. The players deserve what happened today. Today’s result is the result of very hard work.”
Fernandes, meanwhile, was not the only Manchester United player who made history on international duty. Diogo Dalot, lining up at left-back again, continued his recent resurgence after marking Bukayo Saka out of the game at Arsenal; an 8/10 rating bestowed upon the versatile defender.
“(Dalot showed) interesting and rare movement,” A Bola add. “A high-grade display.”