0 duels won, 0 shots: Man Utd man lost ball 15 times in 66 mins on Int'L duty, Amorim will be concerned

Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes endured a subdued outing for Portugal despite their hard-fought 3-2 win over Hungary in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier.

The midfielder, who recently celebrated his 31st birthday, was deployed in his preferred number 10 role but failed to sparkle.

Hungary stunned the visitors by striking first in the 21st minute, yet Portugal roared back with goals on either side of half-time.

Barnabas Varga pulled Hungary level, but it was Joao Cancelo who ultimately sealed the victory with a decisive strike.

Fernandes played for 66 minutes and was the first player to be substituted by coach Roberto Martinez.

He lost all six duels he contested and failed in both of his dribble attempts.

He played two key passes and enjoyed an 88% passing accuracy but lost possession 15 times.

Despite operating in an advanced role, Fernandes failed to muster a single shot at goal.

Cancelo floated a fantastic left-footed cross from the right flank, but Fernandes failed to make a connection with the ball.

His early withdrawal could prove a blessing in disguise, offering the talisman some much-needed rest.

Manager Ruben Amorim will be banking on it being just a blip, with Fernandes expected to come back firing this weekend.

The Red Devils will make a trip to the Etihad Stadium to face their bitter rivals Manchester City.

The club captain is a guaranteed starter, but the intrigue lies in whether Amorim unleashes him in an attacking midfield role or keeps him locked in the centre of the park with Casemiro.

A statement win could ease the mounting pressure on Amorim, but another setback would only intensify the spotlight on his reign.

Stats from Sofascore.com & Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .