International round-up: Bruno red-hot ready for Euros
Bruno Fernandes continued his thrilling form for club and country on Tuesday, as Portugal beat the Republic of Ireland 3-0 in their final warm-up game before Euro 2024.
Bruno and club colleague Diogo Dalot were selected in the starting XI by manager Roberto Martinez, with the former playing the full 90 and Dalot one of a raft of half-time changes.
Portugal were 1-0 up by the break, with Fernandes, as ever, right in the thick of the action.
Our no.8 received a short corner on the right flank from Joao Cancelo, and threaded a quick pass into the penalty area for Joao Felix to power home a left-footed shot across Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher.
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There were no further assists or goals for our club captain, but his creativity shone throughout. According to Opta, Bruno created six goalscoring chances across the full game – four more than any other player on the pitch.
Portugal's remaining two were scored by former United great Cristiano Ronaldo, whose second-half strikes took him to a mind-boggling 130 goals at international level.
It was a less enjoyable evening for beloved ex-United stalwart John O'Shea, however, who has been managing the Republic on an interim basis.
WHO ELSE WAS IN ACTION?
Two other Reds, Sofyan Amrabat and Andre Onana, were also involved in competitive action on Tuesday.
The Moroccan played the entirety of his country's 6-0 World Cup qualifier against Congo, which keeps the Atlas Lions top of Group E.
Our no.1 goalkeeper was involved in Cameroon's draw with Angola, where he was powerless to stop a deflected equaliser. Nevertheless, the Indomitable Lions remain top of CAF World Cup qualifying Group B, a point clear of Libya and Cape Verde.
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WHAT'S NEXT?
Friday is a big day on the international scene, as the 2024 European Championship begins in Germany, with the hosts taking on Scotland in Munich (20:00 BST).
Scott McTominay will hope to feature for the Scots, despite some recent injury issues. In a press conference on Monday, assistant manager John Carver told the press:
“He was one of the last ones to finish because of the cup final. He has been working hard behind the scenes, doing some stuff. It’s no different for him. He came on that training ground today and looked like he had never been away. He will be ready and firing for sure.”
Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho could also be in action on Friday evening, when Argentina take on Guatemala in Washington D.C. The match kicks off in the early hours of Saturday morning, UK time (01:00 BST).