Bruno Fernandes was used in an unfamiliar role during Portugal’s 1-0 win over Wales on Thursday night, and new manager Jorge Jesus admitted the Manchester United captain could have done more.
Fernandes started on the left side of Portugal’s attack as Jesus began putting his ideas into practice. However, despite Portugal securing the narrow victory, the new boss was not completely satisfied with the 32-year-old’s performance.
Fernandes has been one of Manchester United’s most important players since joining the club in 2020. He has scored 111 goals and provided 106 assists for the Red Devils, including a hat-trick in their 5-2 win over Ipswich Town last month.
He was also handed the United captaincy in July 2023 and has continued to wear the armband ever since.
However, Fernandes’ position has become a regular talking point over the past year. The midfielder has traditionally operated as a No. 10, where he can influence the game further forward and create chances for his teammates.
Under former United boss Ruben Amorim, though, that role became less common because of his tactical system. Fernandes was often asked to play as part of a deeper midfield pairing or from the left, where he would move inside when United had possession.
Jesus opted for a similar approach against Wales, using Fernandes from the left side of the attack.
The Portugal boss felt Fernandes could have had a bigger impact on the game.
“Every game has its own story. With Ruben Amorim, he played like that. It’s a position he knows perfectly,” Jesus told RTP.
“The only difference is that, defensively, he has to drop deeper. He could have been better with the ball. The team needed him more.”
Fernandes, however, explained that his role was not simply to stay out wide.
“If you notice, I was rarely on the wing. Defensively, yes, tracking back, pressing the full-back in higher positions on the pitch,” he said.
“Otherwise, it’s very much about what the manager’s idea is, which is to have a player inside who can link up play, drop deep to play, also support the striker and the second striker, create a triangle in the middle and on the wings, help in both areas.
“That’s what I did. The manager asked me for this role in this game. He’s already told me I can play in different positions with him.
“So for me, the most important thing is that what I do helps the team, and I will always do my best in whatever position the manager puts me in.”
Fernandes was also pleased with Portugal’s overall performance despite the narrow scoreline.
“We created many opportunities, we were almost always in the opponent’s half. We were very capable of having the ball, of dominating the game,” he added.
“Obviously, there are always aspects to improve in every game, regardless of the result, but I think it was a very good performance.
“After three days of work, the team assimilated the ideas well and what the manager asked of us, but there are aspects to improve.”
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