Sayan Chatterjee
Manchester United could block Bruno Fernandes from being called up by Portugal
According to the Daily Mail (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United are weighing up the possibility of blocking Portugal’s attempt to call up Bruno Fernandes for international fixtures.
That’s because the UK government has added several countries in Europe, Africa and South America to their quarantine list. Portugal features on the government’s red list, meaning anyone returning to the nation would need to isolate in a hotel room for 10 days.
Under normal circumstances, Fernandes would be a sure pick for Portugal as they prepare for fixtures against Azerbaijan, Serbia and Luxembourg.
That would see the influential playmaker miss United’s Premier League fixtures against Brighton on April 3 and Tottenham on April 10.
However, new FIFA amendments have now handed clubs the power to veto international call-ups for players if it requires them to quarantine upon their return.
The rule change could see several Premier League stars miss out on representing their nation in the World Cup qualifiers due to be played next month.
As per the report, United haven’t made a final decision on whether they would be willing to allow Fernandes to be called up by Portugal next month.
Liverpool, though, have made it clear that they would not let the likes of Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Alisson depart for international duty.
Fernandes has been one of the key driving forces behind United’s surge for the Premier League title this season. Hence, it is perfectly understandable that United want to keep hold of the midfield star for a crucial period of the season.
The 26-year-old registered his 13th league goal of the campaign with a superb strike in the 3-3 draw against Everton at the weekend. It remains to be seen as to how things pan out with regards to his involvement in international games.
