Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes makes a remarkable history in Europe qualifier
Alook at the direct goal contribution records of players involved in Euro 2024 qualifications shows that only 2 players have got 10 or more goal involvements. Interestingly, Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United is the first man to do so.
How did he achieve the feat?
The Portuguese midfielder started his goal contribution in his country’s second match of the qualifiers. Fernandes gave the pass that gave Portugal the fourth goal as they thrashed Luxembourg 6-0. In the next game, he played as a defensive midfielder but he was involved in all of his country’s goals against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Having set Bernardo Silva up for the opener, the Red Devils’ star netted twice in the second half to complete a 3-0 win.
The reigning Carabao Cup winner was shut out in his next appearance in June but when he returned during the September 2023 international break, he was something else. He bagged a hat trick of assists before finding the back of the 7 minutes ahead of regulation time. His efforts gave Portugal a sweet 9-0 win over Luxembourg. On October 13, Fernandes was directly involved in two goals. He set Gonçalo Ramos for the opening goal before providing the cross that gave Ronaldo the winner. Altogether, the Manchester United star has scored 4 times and provided 7 assists in the competition.
The only other player that has got double-digit goals so far in the qualifiers is Romelu Lukaku, a former Manchester United striker. The Belgium international has scored 9 goals and made 1 assist so far. This Roma star began his campaign in the qualifiers with a hat trick Sweden in March. His only assist came against Estonia on September 12. Interestingly, the Chelsea-registered star also scored twice in the game.
Bruno Fernandes is continuing to shine for his nation after he helped Portugal to yet another victory in their bid to qualify for next year’s European Championship.
Fernandes is one of the first names on the teamsheet under Roberto Martinez and the midfielder is certainly repaying the manager’s trust in him as he continues to deliver near-on each time he pulls on the historic jersey.
The former Sporting captain was named captain by Erik ten Hag over the summer, with the Dutchman opting to remove Harry Maguire from the post after an underwhelming first campaign under the boss.
Fernandes has experienced a mixed start to the season at the club level but for Portugal, he has, undeniably, been one of their best players and that trend was extended earlier this week when he starred in their 3-2 win over Slovakia.
Fernandes assisted Goncalo Ramos’ opening goal and did the same for Cristiano Ronaldo’s second of the night, which proved to be the winning strike.
A closer look at Fernandes’ performances in the Euro 2024 qualifiers now show how pivotal he has been to Portugal’s campaign after they secured a seventh win from as many games.
According to the statistical website Squawka, as seen above, Fernandes has been the most creative player in the tournament so far and he also tops the list of combined goals and assists.
On top of creating 29 chances for his team-mates, he has also created the most big chances (9). His clever solutions in the final third are also being converted, with the midfielder racking up seven assists so far, also the most in the qualifiers.
Portugal have already qualified for next summer’s tournament and that could mean that Fernandes is given a highly-needed rest in some of the upcoming fixtures. At club level, he remains a highly influential player and is rarely rested by Ten Hag.
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