For much of the 2023 Campeonato Brasileiro, unlikely contenders Botafogo had looked set to end their long wait for a national title after opening up a healthy early advantage in the race.

However, amid a decline which has taken in the departures of two Portuguese coaches – Luís Castro and Bruno Lage - from Fogo, it appears that another pair of Luso bosses could be set to capitalise on the leader’s ongoing collapse.

Fulham 0-1 Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes earned Manchester United a last-gasp winner over Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, after which the Portuguese admitted the victory must spark a change in performances.

United were far from their best once again in London, but Fernandes popped up in the 91st minute to slot past Bernd Leno and give the travelling supporters a much-needed boost ahead of their crucial midweek Champions League trip to Copenhagen.

Fulham secured a valuable point with a 1-1 draw at Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, thanks to a brilliant strike from influential Portuguese midfielder João Palhinha.

The former Sporting man struck in the 65th minute to level for the Cottagers, but it was the overall quality of Palhinha’s performance which earned him the Man of the Match award as well as praise from Fulham boss Marco Silva.

The fallout from Manchester United’s embarrassingly dismal 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City on Sunday continues in British media, and once again captain Bruno Fernandes finds himself central to the criticism.

United produced an uninspiring and timid performance in losing to their city rivals, leaving the Red Devils with five defeats from their opening ten matches in the Premier League so far this season.