Portuguese Football in English
Fernando Santos was introduced to the media as new manager of the Poland National Team on Tuesday. The veteran Portuguese has signed a contract valid until the World Cup 2026.
Santos saw his reign as Portugal coach ended in December after the Seleção’s World Cup elimination in Qatar, leaving as the manager who has delivered the only two trophies in his country’s history.
This weekend may have been unusually quiet for Portuguese goalscorers abroad, but there were still some pleasing stories of Luso players finding the net at new clubs.
Injury-hit full-back Aurélio Buta has been forced to wait until the second half of the season to make his debut for Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, but celebrated his first match in style with a goal in their win over Schalke. Meanwhile in England, João Ferreira was handed a first start for new club Watford and responded by scoring an excellent goal in the Championship.
“I didn’t know he was given the Man of the Match, but he was definitely my Man of the Match,” said Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag when discussing Bruno Fernandes’ performance in the recent Manchester derby. The Dutchman does not offer individual praise easily, but his eulogising of the Portuguese has become a common occurrence.
Fernandes has undergone somewhat of a transformation since Ten Hag’s arrival at Old Trafford last summer, developing into a more rounded player whom his manager describes as key to the team’s style of play. Two goals last week against Manchester City and Crystal Palace certainly helps the team’s attacking potential, but Fernandes’ qualities are considered much more varied this season.
There is little doubt over the most discussed Portuguese goal of the weekend. Bruno Fernandes’ controversial equaliser in Manchester United’s derby win over Manchester City rumbles on as the major talking point in English football.
However, Luso stars hit the net elsewhere across the continent, including a vital winner by Daniel Podence for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. In Italy, forwards Beto and Rafael Leão were both among the goals, while Fábio Martins caught the eye in Saudi Arabia with a brilliant strike for Khaleej.
Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City
Bruno Fernandes was a central figure in the Manchester derby on Saturday afternoon, scoring a controversial equaliser to prompt a stunning Manchester United victory at Old Trafford.
United trailed to a Jack Grealish goal when Fernandes levelled with twelve minutes to play, after which Marcus Rashford snatched a winner to extend the Red Devils winning run to nine matches in all competitions.
