Explained: Bruno Fernandes returns to Manchester United from international duty early

Bruno Fernandes shone as Portugal thumped Sweden 5-2 on Thursday night, but his international break has already come to an end with an early return to Manchester United.

The 29-year-old grabbed a goal and an assist for his nation during the friendly win in Guimaraes before being allowed to return back to Carrington on Friday, despite Portugal being set to play Slovenia in another friendly match next Tuesday.

Fernandes has seven goals and eight assists in his last 11 outings on the international stage but is one of a number of star players who has been released by the national side due to an arrangement between the Portuguese FA and their respective clubs.

The United captain along with Rafael Leao, Nelson Semedo, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Joao Palhinha, Toti Gomes and Goncalo Ramos, have all been allowed to return to their club sides as part of an innovative split group approach from Portugal.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez recognises the 'very challenging' fixture schedule his players have to contend with and is therefore using the friendly matches as the perfect time to experiment with his squad and grant senior figures a rare few days off.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Joao Cancelo, Otavio, Ruben Neves, Danilo, Vitinha and Diogo Dalot were all left out of the squad to face Sweden so they could rest, but will be involved in the Slovenia friendly.

It means Dalot got his extended break at the start of the international fixture window while teammate Fernandes will be given a few days rest before he returns to Carrington ahead of the Brentford match.