Bruno Fernandes leaves Portugal camp early after the Man United captain shines in friendly win against Sweden… with Man City’s Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias among stars sent home

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has been sent home early from Portugal’s squad following their friendly win over Sweden.

Fernandes scored and provided an assist as Portugal cruised to a 5-2 win over Sweden in Guimaraes on Thursday.

The midfielder was one of five players in the starting line-up to complete the full 90 minutes of the friendly.

Man City duo Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva also completed the game, along with Fulham’s Joao Palhinha and goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez confirmed after the match that Fernandes, Dias, Silva and Palhinha were among eight players being released early from the squad and will not play against Slovenia.

Bernardo Silva, left, is among eight players released from Portugal’s squad

Roberto Martinez confirmed the decision after their 5-2 win over Sweden in Guimaraes

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– It is important to work on different concepts, especially because Slovenia has a very similar structure (as Sweden), also with two strikers.

So the players leaving are all taken care of, they are: Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, João Palhinha, Nélson Semedo, Toti Gomes, Rafael Leão, Bruno Fernandes and Gonçalo Ramos.

‘There are eight players and another eight players who will also come at a high level for the second match, with hunger and a lot of energy, I hope.’

According to Athleticswill Fernandes link up with Manchester United after the international break.

It followed United boss Erik ten Hag giving players not on international duty time off this week.

Fernandes, who has made 38 appearances for United this season, will be able to recover ahead of their next game against Brentford on March 30.

Dias and Silva will next be in action when Man City face Arsenal in a key match in the Premier League title race on March 31.

Portugal continued their Euro 2024 preparations in style on Thursday, with Rafael Leao and Matheus Nunes giving the hosts a 2-0 lead in their friendly with Sweden.

Man City defender Ruben Dias, right, will play no part in Portugal’s friendly against Slovenia

Portugal continued their perfect record since Martinez took charge of the national team

Fernandes struck before half-time and Bruma increased Portugal’s advantage in the second half.

Goncalo Ramos scored a fifth for Portugal, either side of goals from in-demand Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres and Gustaf Nilsson.

Martinez’s side face Slovenia in their next friendly on March 26.

Portugal have won all 11 games since the Belgian took over as coach, scoring 49 goals and conceding just four.