- Manchester United captain assists twice
- Fernandes excels against the USMNT
- How much more can he do
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes dazzled once again, his two assists in an international friendly against the United States unpicking the World Cup co-hosts.
The Americans racked up more shots, yet Fernandes seized control of the contest. He conjured up two moments of invention to guide Portugal to victory as both sides sharpened preparations for the World Cup.
The first arrived in the 36th minute. Fernandes latched onto a tantalising through ball from Joao Felix, shaped his body as if to shoot, and instead slipped the cheekiest of back-heels into the path of Francisco Trincao, who calmly dispatched it.
Then, 13 minutes into the second half, Fernandes struck again. Portugal won a corner, and rather than swing in a conventional delivery, he orchestrated a rehearsed routine.
Spotting Felix lurking on the edge, Fernandes lifted a delicate pass into his stride; the forward cushioned it, let it rise to his waist, and rifled it beyond Matt Freese.
While it once again showcased Fernandes’ extraordinary technique, it also laid bare the United States’ fragility at the back.
Portugal now turn their attention to their penultimate World Cup warm-up, facing Chile on 6 June before entering a group containing the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.
Meanwhile, the hosts will play two more friendlies before the tournament begins. They welcome Senegal on 31 May, then host four-time world champions Germany.
Portuguese Media Hail Fernandes
Fernandes’ exploits didn’t go unnoticed by Portuguese media who gave a glowing verdict of the United skipper. National newspaper Record wrote:
“Two assists and even more brilliance, once again. The captain was once again a beacon in the offensive transition, orchestrating the goals.“
They added:
“He galvanised his teammates in a sleepy first half and received enthusiasm from the substitutes in the second half. Furthermore, he had two shots on goal and contributed with a clearance, a blocked shot, and two ball recoveries. He was one of the few insatiable players in the friendlies against Mexico and the United States. He has the spirit of an idol and a captain.”
Portuguese newspaper A Bola were equally as impressed:
“He made his mark in the 8th minute, when he shot into the US penalty area and almost put Portugal ahead. It was the trigger for a great performance.”
The Reds’ Midfield Maestro
Where would Manchester United truly be without Fernandes? He has single-handedly delivered 26 points this season through goals and assists—a tally that mirrors Cristiano Ronaldo’s output in his 2007/08 Ballon d’Or campaign.
In 36 games for club and country since the start of the 2025/26 season, Fernandes has contributed to 32 goals and assists. But his impact stretches far beyond goals.
Since the 2017/18 season, only Lionel Messi, Kevin De Bruyne, Mohammed Salah, and Thomas Muller have had more big chances created than the midfield maestro.
When the numbers are viewed through a per-game lens, only Messi and De Bruyne maintain a higher rate. Drill down further, and the picture sharpens: this Premier League season, Fernandes averages 0.857 big chances created per game, matching Messi’s output across six seasons in Europe’s top leagues.
What Next for Bruno?
Seven matches to write himself into Premier League history. Fernandes is an all-time great of Manchester United.
Does he get into the all-time XI? Maybe not, but that is because he has been part of a squad that was United’s worst in over 50 years.
Fernandes can still etch his name into the club’s history books. He sits on 16 assists, just four shy of the joint record held by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry at 20.
Based on his current averages, the Red Devils playmaker will finish the season with 20 assists. Quite simply, his teammates now need to finish what Fernandes serves up. When he threads the ball through, they must convert
