Bruno Fernandes captained Portugal to a 2-1 win over Norway in an unfamiliar attacking role, playing on the left-hand side of the attack rather than his customary central position.
The 32-year-old Manchester United midfielder was repositioned by manager Jorge Jesus, who used a 4-1-3-2 system with PSG's Vitinha taking the No.10 role. Fernandes was deployed on the left of the attack in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence.
Influential display in Nations League win
Despite his lack of experience in the position, the United captain proved influential in Portugal's Nations League victory. He completed all four of his long passes, maintained an 85 per cent passing accuracy and delivered six passes in the attacking third before being substituted in the 90th minute for former Arsenal player Nuno Tavares.
Manchester United are preparing to return to Premier League action as the third and final week of the season's opening international break gets underway. Michael Carrick is poised to welcome back his squad members who have been representing their countries.
Zirkzee admits need to improve
Joshua Zirkzee has acknowledged that he needs to raise his performance to persuade Carrick to give him more playing time at United. The 25-year-old striker received a late call-up to the Netherlands squad following Brian Bobbey's injury against Germany and scored in their 2-1 victory over Serbia on Sunday.
Zirkzee, who had not featured for his nation since 2024, confessed that getting the call from Netherlands manager Xavi came as a shock, given he has only accumulated 70 minutes of action for United this campaign.
"At the moment, that means I am mainly coming on as a substitute," Zirkzee told ESPN regarding his situation at United. "And in the end, I have to do something about that myself, even if it isn't easy. Even so, it was still quite a big surprise that the coach called me up."
Tension at Old Trafford was mounting before the break, with United securing a late 1-1 draw against Fulham just four days after their Carabao Cup third-round elimination. A win away at winless Tottenham this Saturday would provide Carrick with some respite.
