MEN: Man Utd now in ‘direct contact’ with national team after revelation one Red has been playing through injury

Manchester United are now in direct contact with their national team following the revelation that player Bruno Fernandes has been playing through injury. Fernandes has reportedly been "playing through the pain barrier" for the Red Devils over the past couple of weeks, raising concerns about his long-term health. The Manchester Evening News journalist Tyrone Marshall revealed that Fernandes took "a couple of heavy knocks" during United's Champions League opener against Sabah on September 10.

Despite United's dominant performance in that match, Fernandes played the full 90 minutes, which was controversial given the upcoming Manchester derby just three days later. ESPN's Rob Dawson reported that Fernandes was almost ruled out of the Manchester City clash and Fulham match, but passed late fitness tests and played the remaining matches.

The 32-year-old has now been dropped to the bench but was brought on in the 73rd minute during the Carabao Cup tie. Fernandes was left out of the squad for the subsequent match, with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus confirming that he has been playing through pain and could miss the matches against Norway and Denmark. United have six games to prepare for in October, including two in the Champions League.