Jose Mourinho has criticized Bruno Fernandes for not delivering the same performances for Portugal at Euro 2020 as he has done for Manchester United in the last 18 months.
Fernandes has revolutionized United since joining Manchester in January 2020 and finished his first full season with a remarkable 28 goals in all competitions from midfield.
The 26-year-old even did twice and got an assist in Portugal’s final warm-up game before Euro 2020, a 4-0 trashing of Israel in Lisbon, but he has been a disappointment in Group F matches against Hungary and Germany in the actual tournament. to date.
Fernandes started both matches but was replaced before the end of each, handling only 64 minutes in the later 4-2 defeat against Germany.
Fernandes was subbed early in Portugal’s defeat to Germany / Alexander Hassenstein / Getty Images
“Portugal at its highest level can beat anyone. But we have to play with eleven players, in these two matches Bruno Fernandes was on the pitch but did not play, Mourinho told talkSPORT.
“I hope he shows up against France, because he is a player with incredible potential. He can pass, he can score goals. He can get penalties, he can make penalties, he can make free kicks. He has a lot to give, but the reality in these two games is that he was not there. ”
Portugal face France in Budapest in their final Group F game, knowing that another defeat would leave them third in the table and risk missing the knockout stages due to their final goal difference compared to other third-place teams.
Portugal need one point against France to secure a place in the last 16 but can still qualify even if they lose / LASZLO BALOGH / Getty Images
A draw would guarantee progress as at least one of the top four third-place teams, but Portugal will only win Group F if they beat France and Germany fail to beat Hungary.
Only France has already secured a place in the knockout stages, each of the other three teams in the group is at risk of elimination.
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