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“We are the ones”: Solskjaer hints at preventing key Man United star from joining up with national team

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 17: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United is congratulated by team mate Bruno Fernandes (r) after scoring their sides first goal during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester United at Bramall Lane on December 17, 2020 in Sheffield, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Peter Powell - Pool/Getty Images)

Solskjaer may prevent Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes from accepting Portugal call-up

According to the Evening Standard, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may prevent Bruno Fernandes from being called up for international duty with Portugal.

The midfielder is arguably United’s best player. The club often depends on him for inspiration and it has been evident so far.

An important player for Portugal, the United ace is expected to get called up when international fixtures return later this month. The Iberians take on Azerbaijan, Serbia and Luxembourg in a 2024 World Cup qualifying triple-header.

Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may prevent Bruno Fernandes from being called up for international duty with Portugal.
Solskjaer may prevent Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes from accepting Portugal call-up

Solskjaer is not a fan of the player reporting for international duty, especially while the COVID-19 pandemic is still going strong. While a decision is yet to be made, the United’s manager’s feelings on the matter are pretty clear.

“We have not sat down and made a proper call on that one but it doesn’t make sense if you lose your player for 10 days’ isolation.”

Players need to quarantine in hotels for 10 days upon returning from nations on the UK’s coronavirus “red list”. This has set the stage nicely for a club versus country row in the coming weeks.

Paul Pogba injury update by Manchester United.
A club vs country row appears to be on the horizon (GETTY Images)

Every right to make the call

Solskjaer believes United have a hard call to make as we are the ones who pay his wages. FIFA has already stated that clubs are under no obligation to release players for international games.

“We are the ones paying the players … Fifa have given the rule that they don’t have to be released, so it is going to be a hard call to make to let them play in red-list countries.”

It will come as no surprise if United decided to do the same. After all, it makes little sense for the club to invest in the player only to have him sit out during a crucial phase of the season.

Bruno Fernandes reveals that he has an excellent relationship with Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. (GETTY Images)
Fernandes is United’s best player(GETTY Images)

“I want Bruno ready for Brighton and hopefully we will be through in Europe and against Tottenham after that break.”

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Solskjaer has admitted in no uncertain terms that he expects Fernandes to be available for the games following the international break. Whether he will keep his foot down and make the call remains to be seen.

Written by Pranav Nair

An Engineering postgraduate with a keen interest in statistics, pop culture and football.

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