Roberto Martinez explains why Bruno Fernandes is a 'dream for a coach'

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has hailed Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as a «dream for a coach» due to his tactical flexibility.

Fernandes has been a key player for both club and country for a number of seasons, with the 29-year-old bagging a stunning five goals and eight assists for his nation during their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign and a further four goal contributions for United this season too.

Despite being regarded as one of the best central attacking midfielders in world football, Fernandes has regularly been utilised in a number of different positions by both his club and national team managers. As well as playing as an '10', the Portugal star has also started games a deeper-lying midfielder, and even a right forward on occasion for United.

Fernandes was used on the right of a midfield three by Martinez in an emphatic 5-0 win for Portugal over Bosnia & Herzegovina on Monday evening, bagging a goal and an assist in the victory.

Speaking to before that win, Martinez was keen to stress how important it is to have players like Fernandes in a squad.

«Bruno Fernandes is a very good professional, a player who has seven assists [now eight after the win over Bosnia], an intelligent player, who adapts to the qualities of his teammates, who gives a lot of tactical flexibility. Bruno Fernandes is a dream for a coach,» the boss explained.

«He needs training to understand the idea of the game and has a high level of execution. Technically he has a vision of the game that I think is of superlative quality and I really like his work. He's adapted to many positions, he gives structure, he gives balance, he’s a key player for us.»

Fernandes will be back in club football action this weekend when Manchester United