Porto, Portugal — Bruno Fernandes has spent years pulling the strings for Manchester United, but according to those inside the Portugal camp, his influence on the national team has reached a new level. And that could change everything at the 2026 World Cup.
Former United midfielder Sammy McIlroy revealed on the latest episode of Influencers that he spoke directly with Portugal manager Roberto Martínez — and what he heard might surprise fans who still think of Cristiano Ronaldo as the captain and unquestioned leader.
“I actually spoke to the manager,” McIlroy said. “He was at the [last United home] game, Roberto, and he was saying how influential he is, Bruno, with Portugal. We all know [he is at] United, but even at Portugal, he’s ruling the roost there. He’s the main man.”
That’s a bold statement from a former player who knows the club and the international scene. But the numbers back it up. The 31-year-old midfielder just wrapped up a historic Premier League season, breaking the single-season assist record with 21 — surpassing Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. He also took home the Premier League Player of the Season, FWA Footballer of the Year, and Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards.
Fernandes helped drag United to a third-place finish and a Champions League spot. Now, he’s wearing that same form for Portugal, where he’s reunited with Diogo Dalot and Ronaldo. And according to Martínez, the team’s chances hinge on one thing.
“Roberto actually thought they have got a chance,” McIlroy added. “And what he said was, ‘If they can handle the tournament…’ You know, some people can freeze in a World Cup. Some people, even the experienced players, can actually not perform because of the occasion. And he said, ‘If we do that, we’ve got a chance.’”
On the same panel, former United academy grad and MUTV commentator Ben Thornley put his money on Ronaldo winning the Golden Boot in what’s expected to be his final World Cup. “I just think that, in the team that he’s playing in, with the creativity he’s got behind him, if they are going to do well, he is going to score goals,” Thornley said. “And with it being his last dance I’ve just got a funny feeling that Ronaldo could do it. I think that it’s the only thing that Ronaldo has got left to win. It’s his last opportunity. He’s got players around him, more so than anybody.”
He singled out Fernandes as the engine. “Bruno Fernandes, who’s arguably one of the best midfielders in the world, if not the, at the moment. And when he’s got other players as well that can join in, I just fancy Portugal to do well in this World Cup.”
Former United defender Wes Brown, who played alongside Ronaldo at Old Trafford, offered a glimpse into the striker’s relentless drive. “Obviously, I played with him. So I know what he’s like. He’s crazy, you know. The things that he used to do, his temperament,” Brown recalled. “He would always say, if you’d ever seen him, ‘I want to be the best, I’m trying to be the best.’ And when you played at the time, you sort of take that for granted. ‘Okay, yeah, everyone wants to be the best.’ But he did, and he kept it going.”
Meanwhile, Fernandes’ future at United remains a topic of chatter. His contract expires at the end of next season, but recent reports indicate the club is prepared to offer an extension. For now, though, his focus is on leading Portugal deep into the World Cup.
If this tournament becomes Ronaldo’s final bow, Fernandes might just be the one setting the stage.
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