Bruno Fernandes 'reason' given for below par Man Utd performances over past 3 games

Manchester United's talismanic captain Bruno Fernandes has not been at his best in recent games and the Portugal manager has told why.

The Reds have been dealt a blow over injury concerns for Fernandes and it has been revealed that the midfielder has been playing with a problem in recent weeks.

Fernandes has been ruled out of Portugal’s Nations League meeting with Norway in Oslo on Sunday and has been carrying an injury for three games.

The 32-year-old played the full 90 minutes against Wales on Thursday, despite having the problem when he was called up for international duty, and was replaced by João Neves in stoppage time.

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has now opted against risking Fernandes with the midfielder left out of the 23-man squad for game against Norway.

“He played with an injury he brought from Manchester United. He really wanted to play against Wales,” Jesus said. “He wasn’t at his usual level, we’ll see if he’s ready.”

Jesus subsequently revealed that Fernandes had been dealing with pain for several games and believes it contributed to an unusually subdued performance against Wales.

“He said he’s been dealing with that pain for about three games, and that was one of the factors that prevented him from being at his usual level against Wales,” he said.

The Portugal boss, who previously worked with Fernandes, has spoken directly to the midfielder and does not want to take any unnecessary risks.

“He was my player, I know him perfectly. I’ve already spoken to him,” Jesus added.

“I prefer not to risk him in this game and have him clean and in good physical condition for the Denmark game.”

Fernandes instead undertook recovery work in the gym on Sunday as Portugal prepared for their second Nations League fixture.

For United, the development will be watched closely given Fernandes’ importance to Michael Carrick’s team.

The midfielder has been a key figure since arriving at Old Trafford in 2020 but he was not able to carry the team as he has so often done, in the defeat against Brighton followed by the Fulham draw.

United are not back in Premier League action until 10 October when they face Tottenham at Old Trafford so there is two weeks for him to recover.