Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes reacts to negativity from critics

Bruno Fernandes feels the negativity around Portugal heading into the European Championship shows that playing for the national team carries responsibility, which he likes.

Manchester United's captain Fernandes has 66 caps for Portugal and he's set to start every game at the heart of the midfield for his country at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.

Fernandes enjoyed a wonderful season for United and won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for a third time. The midfielder delivered consistent performances in a struggling side and supporters are desperate for United to safeguard his future with a new contract.

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The 29-year-old is open to staying in Manchester but will focus his attention on Euro 2024, as Portugal look to win the tournament again after lifting the trophy in 2016.

Although Portugal are fourth favourites to win Euro 2024, they suffered a defeat to Croatia in a friendly at the weekend and Fernandes has reflected on that game.

Fernandes reacted to the negativity around Portugal and said it should drive the players. "It was the second defeat [Croatia], but nothing changes what we expect for the Euros," he told O Jogo.

"We didn't want to lose, we never want to, we are at the level of the best and we want to compete with the best. They are a very well-prepared team, with very experienced players, finalists in 2018, semi-finals at the World Cup in Qatar, big-name players.

"It causes difficulties when they have the ball, a lot of mobility, we worked for that, but we suffered a penalty, we failed to read the danger in the second goal.

"We already knew there were