After a disastrous week for United, during which he received red cards in consecutive games, Fernandes has decided to spend the international break with Portugal. In the Europa League match against Porto, he received two yellow cards after receiving an initially revoked straight red card against Tottenham.

Fernandes, who is 30 years old, has struggled this season as well, assisting on just one goal in seven Premier League games. Now, though, he promises to do better when he’s back under Erik ten Hag’s shaky rule.

When asked about the unpleasant incident, Fernandes said to O Jogo that it was related to two unfair expulsions that happened in the same week. I can’t dwell on the fact that the first one was taken off and the second one remained on the field because it was a yellow card; yet, I accept that such decisions are inevitable in football. I knew I was to blame at that moment because, as was particularly true against Tottenham, I intentionally sacrificed a teammate in their pursuit of a goal.

“But it’s not all about the national team. It’s a place where I’m getting better and where I can enjoy playing football with the great people I’m with. I intend to score quickly upon my arrival at the club in order to assist the team in getting back on track and performing at its highest level. I am responsible for setting a high bar for myself, having scored a number of goals in recent years, and I am determined to keep it that way.