Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has accused his compatriot Bruno Fernandes of not turning up for Portugal at the Euro 2020. The Manchester United attacker has been largely ineffective for the Selecao in Fernando Santos’ cautious system.
“Portugal at its highest level can beat anyone. But we need to play with 11 players, in these two matches, Bruno Fernandes was on the pitch but not playing. I hope he turns up against France because he’s a player with incredible potential.
He can pass, he can score. He can get penalties, he can score penalties, he can score free kicks. He has a lot to give, but the reality is in these two matches he was not there.
“Portugal has three fantastic attacking players, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Diogo] Jota. We need that connection, but until now Bruno is not playing.”
Mourinho said on talkSPORT,
Fernandes, by his standards, has had a poor tournament so far. The United talisman has barely created any opportunities for his teammates. Meanwhile, he registered just a single shot at goal in both matches: a long-range effort which Hungary’s Peter Gulacsi saved. Evidence of his fleeting influence is the fact that he was taken off just past the hour-mark in Portugal’s loss against Germany.
Nonetheless, the 26-year-old has one more opportunity to provide a telling contribution at the Euro. Portugal take on France in their final group game, with the risk of elimination present in the background. A heavy loss against Les Bleus can result in the defending champions’ exit from the competition. A win, on the other hand, combined with positive results elsewhere, can help them win the group.
