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Fans reckon Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes will play a pivotal role for Portugal in the 2024 UEFA Euros qualifier against Luxembourg in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence on Monday (September 11).
Ronaldo picked up a suspension through a yellow card in the 1-0 win at Slovakia on September 8. He was arguably lucky not to be sent off after catching goalkeeper Martin Dubravka in the face with a rash lunge in the second half.
Ronaldo continues to be one of Portugal's most pivotal players despite being 38. In his absence, fans believe Fernandes will lead his team to glory against Luxembourg at the Estadio Algarve.
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Fernandes has been named alongside Danilo Pereira and Bernardo Silva in what looks like a three-man midfield for Portugal. Diogo Jota, Rafael Leao and Goncalo Ramos lead the line for the 2016 UEFA Euros champions.
Reacting to Fernandes' inclusion in the lineup, one fan tweeted:
"Another Bruno Fernandes world Class Performance Today"
Another added:
"Another game for Bruno to carry that Portuguese team . You love to see it !"
Here are some of the top reactions on X, formerly called Twitter:
After five games, Portugal lead Group J of the 2024 UEFA Euros qualifiers with 15 points. Slovakia (10) are second with five points, tied on points with Luxembourg.
This would have been a golden chance for Ronaldo to add to his goal tally for Portugal (123 strikes in 201 games). He has scored more goals against Luxembourg (11) than against any other nation.
Fernandes (29), meanwhile, has been in incredible form, registering eight goals and four assists in his last 12 international games. This includes his match-winning goal in the recent win against Slovakia.
Portugal star confirms Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Al-Nassr
Goncalo Ramos, who has been touted by many to succeed Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal's XI in the long run, has confirmed their captain's return to Al-Nassr this month.
After his team's win against Slovakia, Ramos (22) said (h/t GOAL):
"Cris (Ronaldo) always gives great support. He has been with the team until today (Sunday) supporting us and helping in whatever way he can, but, at this moment, he has already returned to his club."
Ramos was an unused substitute in Portugal's win against Slovakia but will have the chance to lead the line against Luxembourg. The Paris Saint-Germain new boy has four goals in seven games for his national team — three of which came in the 6-1 FIFA World Cup last-16 win against Switzerland last year.
Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, is expected to return to action for Al-Nassr in their Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Raed on Saturday (September 16). His team are sixth in the standings, racking up nine points in five games.
