Man United captain Bruno Fernandes provides huge injury update after Portugal’s win over Scotland

Man United captain Bruno Fernandes provides huge injury update after Portugal’s win over Scotland

In Portugal’s thrilling Nations League triumph over Scotland, Bruno Fernandes downplayed the seriousness of a knock he took, saying it was “just a little bump.”

After trailing 1-0, Portugal came back to win 2-1 in Lisbon thanks to a late header from Cristiano Ronaldo, who came off the bench to put Nuno Mendes’ enticing cross past Angus Gunn.

A dramatic conclusion was set up at Benfica’s Estadio da Luz when Fernandes, who is celebrating his 30th birthday, had leveled the score from long range, negating Scott McTominay’s header in the 7th minute.

After Roberto Martinez’s team overcame Croatia on Thursday night by the same score, the outcome guaranteed Portugal’s perfect record in the competition.

There was a slight concern for Portugal and Manchester United fans as Fernandes appeared to be struggling with an ankle problem before Ronaldo’s last-ditch winner – the forward’s 901st career goal.

However, Fernandes remained on the field until the final whistle allayed fears over a potential spell on the sidelines as he spoke with Portuguese media after the game.

Asked for an update on his ankle after Portugal’s win, Fernandes replied: ‘It’s okay. It’s just a little bump.’

Fernandes’ comments will no doubt come as a great relief to Erik ten Hag, with Manchester United facing Southampton at St Mary’s in the Premier League next weekend.

The attacking midfielder, who took over the captain’s armband from Harry Maguire last summer, has started all three of the side’s opening matches in the English top flight this season.

Fernandes made his 600th career appearance in Portugal’s defeat of Scotland and, remarkably, the United skipper has only missed four games through injury in that time.

According to Fernandes, Portugal proved their doggedness and ‘resilience’ by coming from behind to beat a ‘very tough’ Scotland side.

‘Scotland are a very tough team, with very high-quality players, almost all of their squad play in the Premier League and that shows in their quality right away,’ he added.

‘They are tough, physically strong and, what’s more, they are players who know how to handle the ball and they are very dangerous from set-pieces.

‘We knew that before the match, but we ended up conceding a goal at a bad time.

‘But this game shows our resilience and the way we knew how to react to adversity, coming from behind and then winning the game.’

‘It wasn’t a perfect day, I would have preferred it to be a less difficult game.

‘It’s always rewarding to score for the national team and to win on your birthday and to be able to celebrate with Portugal, even better.’

Fernandes backed Ronaldo to reach the 1,000-goal milestone before he decides to hang up his boots.

‘The influence is always the same, regardless of whether he starts on the bench or not,’ the former Sporting man went on.

‘Everyone who came on made a difference. Cristiano got a goal, today he scored his 901st and now he is on his way to 1,000 goals, which is what he wants