The playmaker hasn’t been as influential for his nation so far in this summer’s tournament as he usually is for his club.
Bruno Fernandes was “not playing” despite being present on the pitch for Portugal at Euro 2020, says Jose Mourinho.
Fernandes enjoyed another productive season with Manchester United last term as he scored 28 goals and supplied 17 assists to lead the team to the Europa League final and a second-placed Premier League finish.
The 26-year-old, though, has been unable to replicate his club form at the international stage. He was hardly the creative force and attacking threat he usually is in Portugal’s win over Hungary or defeat against Germany.
A Selecao now prepare for their final group game of the tournament against France – and Mourinho wants Fernandes to turn up in it.
“Portugal at its highest level can beat anyone,” the former Man Utd manager said on talkSPORT.
“But we need to play with 11 players, in these two matches, Bruno Fernandes was on the pitch but not playing.
“I hope he turns up against France, because he’s a player with incredible potential.
“He can pass, he can score. He can get penalties, he can score penalties, he can score free kicks. He has a lot to give, but the reality is in these two matches he was not there.
“Portugal has three fantastic attacking players, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Diogo] Jota. We need that connection, but until now Bruno is not playing.”
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