In Portugal's triumph against Hungary, Fernandes and Ronaldo teamed for the third goal, with the A Selecao poised to face Germany on Saturday.
Cristiano Ronaldo is not Portugal's "most valuable player" at this summer's Euro 2020 championships, according to Bruno Fernandes. The Manchester United midfielder was named to start A Selecao's tournament opener against Hungary.
By Fernandes' standards, it was a quiet performance, with the midfielder taking only one shot on goal before being replaced.
Despite a scare in the second half, Fernando Santos' side put up a strong effort to secure a 3-0 victory.
They missed multiple chances before halftime, with Hungary substitute Szabolcs Schon blasting in a shot after the break that was called out for offside.
After that respite, Portugal stepped up a notch, with Raphael Guerreiro finally putting the visitors ahead with a deflected shot six minutes from time.
Willi Orban took down Rafa Silva in the box three minutes later, and Ronaldo stepped up to convert the penalty.
In additional time, Ronaldo placed the cherry on top for the defending European champions, exchanging passes with Fernandes to weave his way past Hungary's defense and slot in.
With those two goals, the superstar surpassed Michel Platini as the all-time leading scorer at the European Championships.
Despite the fact that Ronaldo has set yet another record in his glittering career, Fernandes believes the attacker is not the most important member of the Portugal squad.
Instead, the Red Devils' star believes that the team's overall cohesiveness will help them advance in the tournament.
“It was a showcase of what we can accomplish, and it was down to the training and skill of the players,” Fernandes said of the third goal on the official Manchester United website.
“We're thrilled to have won and even happier to have scored such a team goal. It demonstrates that this is the most important factor.
“As always, Ronaldo has a lot of clouts. He is another person who strives to be the best he can be and makes a difference.
“The 'we' is the most important member of the national team. The word 'we' is crucial; there are many Is, but it is the word 'us' that counts.”
Portugal was placed in the tournament's Group of Death, alongside France, Germany, and Hungary.
Santos' team now leads the group after a convincing victory over the latter, with Germany narrowly losing to France.
When his team takes on Germany in their second encounter of the tournament tomorrow, Fernandes will be hoping for a recall.
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