Bruno Fernandes hands Man Utd dream scenario after concerns raised

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Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has delivered the perfect boost for his club following a sensational display for Portugal in World Cup qualifying on Sunday.

Following their surprise loss against the Republic of Ireland last week, Portugal desperately needed a commanding performance to book their spot at next summer's tournament. They delivered emphatically with a 9-1 demolition of Armenia in Porto, with Fernandes amongst two players to net a hat-trick on the evening.

This follows worries about the United star's condition during the previous international break, when he picked up a yellow card in the 2-2 stalemate with Hungary and was consequently ruled out of the Ireland defeat through suspension.

At the time, the Portuguese media criticised Fernandes' showing and indicated he displayed signs of "physical fatigue", which would certainly have troubled Ruben Amorim and United's backroom team.

Fernandes has remained a vital figure for the Red Devils this season, with the 31-year-old featuring in every single one of their Premier League fixtures to date. He has netted twice and provided three assists, whilst United have made a considerably more encouraging start to the campaign than last term.

Sharpness and fitness will prove vital heading into the winter schedule after the international break, and it could be suggested that Fernandes has satisfied both requirements during his time with Portugal since club football was temporarily halted. While it may not have been ideal for his national side, the fact that United's skipper didn't feature in the loss to Ireland means he's had less game time on his legs.

Considering the concerns over physical exhaustion just a month ago in Portugal, a night off will have done wonders for the United midfielder.

Fernandes' form is another positive, as he put on a top-notch performance during Sunday's match against Armenia.

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The Portuguese team secured their spot at next summer's World Cup with an all-round five-star display, but Fernandes' hat-trick will have boosted his confidence no end.

Two of his goals came from penalties - one in each half - while his second goal was scored from open play, thanks to a well-timed pass from Goncalo Ramos that split the Armenian defence.

Fernandes will now head back to Carrington, ready for a crucial series of matches that United should be able to win.

Their first game back is against Everton on Monday Night Football , followed by clashes with Crystal Palace , West Ham , Wolves , Bournemouth and Aston Villa in the lead up to Christmas .