Bruno Fernandes is enduring his worst-ever run of form as a Manchester United player.
This season has not gone to plan for Bruno Fernandes. The Manchester United captain is yet to score a goal for the Red Devils across all competitions.
Erik ten Hag has kept faith with the 30-year-old playmaker, starting him in every Premier League and Europa League match this season.
However, Fernandes is yet to repay that faith after putting in numerous poor displays and picking up red cards against Tottenham and Porto in back-to-back games.
Fernandes is desperate to improve his goal record, with only two Premier League players worse in front of goal than him this season.
The October international break was well-timed for Fernandes to step away and try to recollect himself after a torrid couple of weeks with United.
Bruno Fernandes form for Portugal
What has been frustrating for United fans - and also Ten Hag - is that while Fernandes has been poor at club level, he has been thriving on the international stage.
Fernandes was superb for Portugal against Scotland during the September international break, and was praised by Portuguese media for his display vs Croatia.
He picked up one goal and one assist during those games, and he added another assist on Saturday evening as Portugal beat Poland 3-1 in the Nations League.
Fernandes started in an advanced midfield position, playing behind United legend Cristiano Ronaldo. Bernardo Silva and Ronaldo were both on the scoresheet and a late own-goal from Jan Bednarek sealed Portugal's win.
But it was Fernandes who was named the Player of the Match against Poland after impressing over 90 minutes.
He neatly set up Silva for the opening goal and ended the match with 62 touches, four key passes, one big chance created and four shots. All while only losing possession 10 times - something that has become an issue in a United shirt.
Man United fans react to Bruno Fernandes display vs Poland
After picking up the Player of the Match award for Portugal, Manchester United fans on social media all picked up on a worrying trend.
Fernandes has been outstanding for Portugal but is really struggling to carry that form over to Manchester.
Via X, formerly known as Twitter, one supporter wrote: "Everyone performs well when they leave Manchester United, this worries me so much".
A second posted: "He does this for Portugal, all while putting out 4/10's for Utd for 18 months now".
A third added: "He has the freedom to play in the Portugal squad. Carrying the weight of the team at United and you can see it in his performances." A fourth made the same point: "He's been performing on the international stage but at the club level it's been zero contribution so far"
After highlighting the alarming pattern, some fans pointed the finger at Ten Hag and his system.
"He was brilliant last night, Ten Hag is the problem at Manchester United," wrote one supporter. Another added: "EtH really doesn't know how to utilize Bruno".
Finally, one fan posted: "Watch Bruno Fernandes for Portugal and he is a completely different player to the one we've seen at United this season. He's enjoying himself without Ten Hag ball"
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