Bruno Fernandes hands Manchester United major boost after replacing Cristiano Ronaldo

Allow Exco Player contentThis content is provided by Exco Player and may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to load the content.

COMMENTSBruno Fernandes marked his Portugal return with two assists as Manchester United received a crucial and timely injury boost.

Fernandes had initially been a doubt for Thursday’s Nations League fixture against Denmark in Copenhagen, having been omitted from Portugal’s squad for their 2-1 win away in Norway on Sunday following his late substitution in the 1-0 home victory over Wales.

Head coach Jorge Jesus subsequently revealed that Fernandes had been battling a “complicated problem”, having been dealing with an unspecified injury for the last three games and played through the pain barrier for Manchester United.

However, it quickly became apparent that the 32-year-old was likely to be fit for the clash with Denmark, having rejoined training earlier this week and been included on Portugal’s squad list for the game at Parken Stadium.

Fernandes did end up starting as expected, promoted to captain after Cristiano Ronaldo’s bombshell exit from the Portugal camp on Wednesday following a reported row with Jesus, who denied that there had been a rift or any suggestion that Ronaldo had refused to train.

Ronaldo later posted on social media: “Following the press conference held by the national team manager, and after a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation [Pedro Proenca], I decided to leave the team’s training camp.

“In due time, I will tell the complete truth to all Portuguese people regarding the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I have always been dedicated.

Getting stuck in: Bruno Fernandes produced an all-action display for PortugalAFP/Getty“Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and all my teammates, without exception.”

Portugal did not skip a beat without their long-time superstar talisman, beating Denmark 4-2 in an entertaining contest to continue their winning start to their Nations League title defence in Group A4 ahead of Sunday’s return meeting with Norway in Porto.

Joao Cancelo put the visitors ahead early, before an equaliser by Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard led to Fernandes swiftly turning provider for Goncalo Ramos, who slotted in to restore the lead.

Denmark hit back again through former Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund, though Fernandes – who broke the all-time Premier League assist record last season – again popped up with a pinpoint cross from which Vitinha headed home for 3-2. Joao Felix later struck to wrap up the victory three minutes from time.

Transfer news LIVE: Cherki to Arsenal, Haaland contact; Liverpool make Schade move

How to watch Denmark vs Portugal: TV channel and live stream

Man Utd star drops hint over lineup amid new injury update

Choose the right education path for your child

Fernandes being fit and in form will come as a huge relief for under-pressure Manchester United boss Michael Carrick, whose side face a crunch home fixture against fellow strugglers Tottenham at Old Trafford next weekend before a difficult October schedule that also includes games against Atletico Madrid, Leeds, Como, Bournemouth and Chelsea.

Patrick Dorgu was unavailable for Denmark against Portugal after returning to United following a hamstring issue suffered against Wales, while Noussair Marazoui was injured during Morocco’s victory over Lesotho in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying earlier this week.

Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo both withdrew from the England squad last week, while Karl Darlow did likewise for Wales.

Also sidelined for United at present are Benjamin Sesko, Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt, plus Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton.