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Bruno Fernandes has acknowledged that Manchester United face a challenging encounter when they travel to Portugal to take on Porto in the Europa League.
The Portuguese playmaker insists that the team’s sole focus will be securing victory.
The midfielder will return to familiar territory at the Estadio do Dragao, having grown up in Porto as a supporter of their city rivals, Boavista.
Speaking to MUTV ahead of the fixture, Fernandes emphasised their opponents’ strength and the game’s significance.
“Porto are always a strong side in Europe. We have to be mindful of that. They have shown good form recently, despite their defeat to Bodo/Glimt last week,” he said.
Porto’s domestic campaign is currently on an upward trajectory.
A comprehensive 4-0 victory over Arouca marked their third consecutive league win since a rare loss to Sporting CP at the end of August.
Their resurgence under new manager Vitor Bruno, who has stepped up after years as an assistant, has further boosted their momentum ahead of United’s visit.
“We know it will be a difficult game, but we are going there to win. That’s the mentality we have to carry into every match,” he added.
United’s history with Porto adds an extra edge to the occasion.
The last meeting between the two sides came in 2009 when a stunning long-range strike from Cristiano Ronaldo helped United advance in the Champions League.
Despite being suspended domestically following his red card in United’s latest Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, Fernandes will be available for selection on Thursday night.
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