Manuel Fernandes (footballer, born 1986) explained

Manuel Fernandes
Full Name:Manuel Henrique Tavares Fernandes[1]
Birth Date:5 February 1986
Birth Place:Lisbon, Portugal
Height:1.74 m[2]
Position:Midfielder
Youthyears1:1997–2004
Youthclubs1:Benfica
Years1:2004–2007
Caps1:67
Goals1:3
Years2:2006
Clubs2:Portsmouth (loan)
Caps2:10
Goals2:0
Years3:2007
Clubs3:Everton (loan)
Caps3:9
Goals3:2
Years4:2007–2011
Caps4:56
Goals4:2
Years5:2008
Clubs5:Everton (loan)
Caps5:12
Goals5:0
Years6:2011
Clubs6:Beşiktaş (loan)
Caps6:14
Goals6:1
Years7:2011–2014
Caps7:77
Goals7:14
Years8:2014–2019
Caps8:103
Goals8:25
Years9:2019–2020
Caps9:16
Goals9:2
Years10:2020–2022
Caps10:16
Goals10:0
Years11:2022
Caps11:4
Goals11:0
Years12:2022–2023
Caps12:14
Goals12:1
Nationalyears1:2003
Nationalcaps1:4
Nationalgoals1:1
Nationalyears2:2004
Nationalcaps2:5
Nationalgoals2:1
Nationalyears3:2004–2008
Nationalcaps3:30
Nationalgoals3:7
Nationalyears4:2005
Nationalcaps4:2
Nationalgoals4:0
Nationalyears5:2005–2018
Nationalcaps5:15
Nationalgoals5:3
Club-Update:17:09, 12 July 2023 (UTC)

Manuel Henrique Tavares Fernandes (pronounced as /pt/; born 5 February 1986) is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a midfielder.

He started his professional career with Benfica at only 18, then went on to compete in England and Spain, mainly at the service of Everton and Valencia. He signed with Beşiktaş in January 2011, spending the following three and a half seasons with the club before joining Lokomotiv Moscow.

Fernandes represented the Portugal under-21 team in two European Championships. He made his debut with the senior side in 2005, being part of the 2018 World Cup squad at the age of 32.

Club career

Benfica

Born in Lisbon, Fernandes grew up in the capital suburb of Amadora, where he would regularly play street football with future Sporting CP and Manchester United star Nani as a child.[3] Subsequently, he joined S.L. Benfica's youth system and made his first-team debut during the 2003–04 season under coach José Antonio Camacho, making an immediate impression on both the manager and the club's supporters and becoming its second youngest ever goalscorer in only his second game, a 2–1 away win against Gil Vicente FC.[4]

Fernandes became a regular first-team in 2004–05, often partnering established Petit in central midfield, under the guidance of Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni. He helped the side win the Primeira Liga title after an 11-year drought, missing just five league games[5] and scoring in a 2–0 away victory over Vitória F.C. on 19 March 2005.[6] He also made seven appearances in the campaign's UEFA Cup, in an eventual round-of-32 elimination at the hands of eventual winners PFC CSKA Moscow.

During the 2005–06 pre-season, Fernandes underwent surgery in Munich due to an inguinal hernia. He was treated by specialist Ulrike Muschaweck.[7] In the UEFA Champions League, he scored the equalising goal in a draw at Villarreal CF in the group stage,[8] with Benfica again only being ousted by the eventual champions, in this case FC Barcelona in the quarter-finals.

Portsmouth

In the summer of 2006, Fernandes signed for Portsmouth of the Premier League on loan, with a deal agreed for a permanent transfer of approximately £7 million if he fully recovered from his groin injury. A transfer was first proposed in late July, but could not be concluded as the player was still suffering from the injury, failing his medical at the club twice; in an unusual move, Benfica allowed the player to be treated at Portsmouth in the hope that he would regain fitness before the transfer deadline on 1 September, and, after five weeks at the club, it was projected that he still needed two months recovery and so, the initial loan deal with a future fee was agreed.[9]

Fernandes made his Portsmouth debut in the Football League Cup away to Mansfield Town, scoring from outside the area after just five minutes in a 2–1 win.[10] He went on to make sporadic appearances for the club throughout the first half of the season, with Sean Davis and countryman Pedro Mendes the preferred midfield pairing; it was later revealed by Pompey manager Harry Redknapp that if he were to make three consecutive appearances, it would trigger a clause in which Portsmouth were obligated to sign the player for £12m – because of the high transfer fee, Portsmouth revealed in December that unless Benfica were to compromise on the fee they would not make the deal permanent, and the player returned to his previous club in the winter transfer window.[11]

Everton

In January 2007, Fernandes returned to England, joining Everton on loan until the end of the season.[12] He also signed a long-term contract with Benfica in January 2007,[13] the deal being complicated due to the fact he was part-owned by a third party agency,[14] but he eventually made an assured debut for his new club in the 1–0 win over Blackburn Rovers on 10 February,[15] and quickly became something of a fans' favourite at Goodison Park; he scored his first league goal for the club on 24 February against Watford[16] and, on 28 April, added another against league leaders Manchester United – the goal, although spectacular, was not enough as the opposition would go on to score four times in the final half-hour of the game, winning 4–2.[17]

With Everton manager David Moyes reluctant to pay Benfica's reported £12 million asking price, Fernandes returned to the latter in the summer, where he had several good performances during the pre-season. In August 2007 it was reported that the former had made an offer of £6 million for the player[18] and, five days later, it was confirmed by both clubs that he was the subject of an acceptable bid from the English side, believed to be £6 million for Benfica's 50% share in the player, with Everton having to negotiate with Global Sports Agency for the other half his playing rights; later reports indicated Everton were willing to pay £12 million for 100% of the rights.[19]

On 14 August, it was reported that Fernandes had flown to Merseyside to complete the deal after being left out of the squad in Benfica's game, and he attended Everton's match against Blackburn 11 days later.[14] Adding to the fact the player's rights were partly owned by an agency, the Premier League did not agree to the transfer as Everton would only half-own the player's contract – the Goodison Park club were not too happy about this as the league had previously let Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano move to other clubs under the same agreements.

However, in a late twist on 26 August, Fernandes opted to sign a six-year contract with La Liga side Valencia CF, in a deal worth 18 million (£12.2 million) to Benfica and the third parties owner.[14] [20] [21] The deal included a €60 million buy-out clause.[22]

Valencia

Fernandes made his debut as a substitute during a 2–1 away defeat of UD Almería on 2 September 2007,[23] and ended his first season with seven league appearances, five in the starting XI. In January 2008 he was loaned back to Everton until the end of the campaign, with the club having the option to sign him permanently;[24] [25] during his five-month spell he went scoreless in 13 official appearances, 12 of those in the league.

Back at Valencia for 2008–09, new Valencia coach Unai Emery declared Fernandes as part of his plans and he came from the bench in the first league match, a 3–0 home win against RCD Mallorca.[26] On 5 October 2008 he scored the only goal in a win at Real Valladolid, his first with the club;[27] overall, during his first full campaign, he complemented well with veterans David Albelda and Rubén Baraja, totalling 27 games and 1,718 minutes, but also sustained a fibula injury against Getafe CF in April 2009 even though he played the entire match.[28]

In January 2010, Fernandes was expected to sign on loan with Inter Milan due to lack of opportunities at Valencia, with the Italians having the right to buy off his contract at the end of the season. However, he failed his medical exams on the 30th, cancelling the deal; he was also linked with a return to Portsmouth in the same transfer window, but that move fell through after paperwork failed to clear in time.

Beşiktaş

In late December 2010, completely out of favour with manager Emery, Fernandes was loaned to Beşiktaş J.K. in the Süper Lig until the end of the season, being officially presented on 3 January 2011. At the Istanbul club, he reunited with former Benfica teammate Simão Sabrosa.[29]

On 11 May 2011, Fernandes assisted on both team goals and converted his penalty in the shootout as they won the Turkish Cup against İstanbul Başakşehir FK (4–3, 2–2 after extra time).[30] He appeared in a total of 20 competitive games during his first spell in Istanbul (14 in the league, six in the cup) and, in early July 2011, a permanent three-year contract was arranged for a €2 million transfer fee.[31] [32]

Lokomotiv

Free agent Fernandes signed a long-term contract with Russian club FC Lokomotiv Moscow on 2 June 2014. Sporting director Kirill Kotov referred to the player's "perfect technique and high playing intellect" as being the main reasons for his acquisition in order "to boost creativity in midfield".[33] Due to his performances, he was named his team's Player of the Month in October 2014.[34]

On 28 September 2017, Fernandes became the fastest-ever player to score a hat-trick in the history of the UEFA Europa League, achieving the feat in 17 minutes to help the hosts defeat FC Fastav Zlín 3–0 in the group stage.[35] On 15 February of the following year, for the same competition but in the round of 32, he countered Mario Balotelli's early brace with three goals in a 3–2 away win over OGC Nice.[36]

Later career

On 2 September 2019, the 33-year-old Fernandes agreed to a one-year deal at FC Krasnodar also of the Russian Premier League.[37] On 23 July 2020, he left.[38]

Fernandes returned to the Turkish top division on 5 October 2020, joining Kayserispor.[39] On 19 February 2022, he signed with Greek club Apollon Smyrnis FC.[40]

International career

In June 2007, Fernandes played in all games at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, scoring the opening goal for Portugal in their 4–0 win over Israel – the national side eventually failed Olympic qualification.[41] He also appeared at the 2006 edition's final stages, and was an active member in the 2009 qualifying campaign.

Fernandes received his first call-up to the senior team in February 2005.[42] He scored his first senior international goal on 26 March in a friendly match with Canada,[43] and played his first official game against Armenia on 17 November 2007, a 1–0 win in Leiria for the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifiers.[44]

Although not part of the list of 24 players initially selected for the 2010 FIFA World Cup,[45] [46] Fernandes was one of the six players named in a backup list.[47] He made the final squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia where he played his club football,[48] making his debut in the competition on 30 June when he replaced João Mário for the final five minutes of the 1–2 round-of-16 loss against Uruguay.[49]

Personal life

Fernandes' cousin, Gelson Fernandes, was also a footballer and a midfielder. Born in Cape Verde and starting his career at FC Sion, he opted to represent Switzerland internationally.[50] [51]

He was also cousin to two other footballers with Swiss nationality, Adilson Cabral and Edimilson Fernandes.[52]

Career statistics

Club

ClubSeasonLeagueCupLeague CupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Benfica2003–04Primeira Liga1011030141
2004–05Primeira Liga2916080431
2005–06Primeira Liga281308110402
Total67390191974
Portsmouth (loan)2006–07Premier League1000020120
Everton (loan)2006–07Premier League92000092
Valencia2007–08[53] La Liga702030120
2008–09[54] La Liga272308010392
2009–10[55] La Liga1502041211
2010–11[56] La Liga700040110
Total5628019110841
Everton (loan)2007–08[57] Premier League120001050180
Beşiktaş (loan)2010–11[58] Süper Lig1416240243
Beşiktaş2011–12Süper Lig31521101436
2012–13Süper Lig27711288
2013–14Süper Lig1920020212
Total91159416111620
Lokomotiv Moscow2014–15Russian Premier League2875020357
2015–16Russian Premier League40207000130
2016–17Russian Premier League22742269
2017–18Russian Premier League29710106114114
2018–19Russian Premier League123103010173
Total95241322262113233
Career total34046396308194146762

International

National teamYearAppsGoals
Portugal[59] 2005 2 1
2007 1 0
2008 2 0
2010 3 1
2012 1 0
2017 2 1
2018 4 0
Total153

Scores and results list Portugal's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Fernandes goal.

No Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 26 March 2005 Estádio Cidade de Barcelos, Barcelos, Portugal align=center 1–0 align=center 4–1 Friendly
2. 3 September 2010 Estádio D. Afonso Henriques, Guimarães, Portugal align=center 4–3 align=center 4–4 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying[60]
3. 10 November 2017 Estádio do Fontelo, Viseu, Portugal align=center 1–0 align=center 3–0 Friendly[61]

Honours

Benfica

2004–05

2003–04

2005

Valencia

2007–08

Beşiktaş

2010–11

Lokomotiv Moscow

2017–18

2014–15, 2016–17, 2018–19

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Manuel Fernandes. Mais Futebol. pt. 7 October 2020.
  2. Web site: 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia – List of Players. FIFA. 23. 10 June 2018. 10 June 2018. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20180809172227/https://tournament.fifadata.com/documents/FWC/2018/pdf/FWC_2018_SQUADLISTS.PDF. 9 August 2018.
  3. Web site: Nani's dreams come true. UEFA. Paul. Saffer. 8 June 2007. 21 April 2011.
  4. News: Benfica vence Gil Vicente por 2–1. Benfica beat Gil Vicente by 2–1. Público. pt. 7 March 2004. 10 November 2017.
  5. Web site: Manuel Fernandes: "Fui para o Benfica porque o Sporting tinha dois estrangeiros". Manuel Fernandes: "I went to Benfica because Sporting had two foreigners". Mais Futebol. Ricardo. Gouveia. pt. 23 May 2017. 10 November 2017.
  6. Web site: Desde 1999 que o Benfica não perde no Bonfim. Benfica have not lost at the Bonfim since 1999. SAPO. pt. 30 January 2017. 10 November 2017.
  7. News: Manuel Fernandes operado de surpresa. Manuel Fernandes undergoes surprise surgery. Diário de Notícias. pt. 9 July 2005. 21 April 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20060630174401/http://dn.sapo.pt/2005/07/09/desporto/manuel_fernandes_operado_surpresa.html. 30 June 2006.
  8. News: Benfica draws with Villarreal in Champions' League. People's Daily. 20 October 2005. 21 April 2011.
  9. Web site: Portsmouth defend Fernandes loan. BBC Sport. 6 February 2007. 10 November 2017.
  10. Web site: Mansfield 1–2 Portsmouth. BBC Sport. 19 September 2006. 23 November 2009.
  11. Web site: Pompey put off by Fernandes fee. BBC Sport. 18 December 2006. 25 August 2010.
  12. News: Everton bypass league conflict to complete Fernandes deal. The Guardian. Dominic. Fifield. 1 February 2007. 5 February 2007.
  13. Web site: Benfica seal Derlei and Fernandes deals. UEFA. 29 January 2007. 7 May 2008.
  14. Web site: Fernandes snubs Everton for Spain. BBC Sport. 27 August 2007. 25 August 2010.
  15. Web site: Everton 1–0 Blackburn. BBC Sport. 10 February 2007. 10 November 2017.
  16. Web site: Watford 0–3 Everton. BBC Sport. 24 February 2007. 23 November 2009.
  17. Web site: Everton 2–4 Man Utd. BBC Sport. Ian. Hughes. 28 April 2007. 23 November 2009.
  18. News: Manuel Fernandes close to Everton move. The Daily Telegraph. Jeremy. Wilson. 15 August 2017. 10 November 2017.
  19. Web site: England – Everton anger at Fernandes snub. ESPN Soccernet. 26 August 2007. 21 April 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20081207232720/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=457269&cc=5901. 7 December 2008.
  20. Web site: Toffees unhappy with Fernandes conduct. ESPN Soccernet. 27 August 2007. 21 April 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20070831231757/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=457602&cc=5901. 31 August 2007.
  21. Web site: Comunicado. Announcement. Portuguese Securities Market Commission. pt. 27 August 2007. 31 December 2014.
  22. Web site: Valencia CF signs Portuguese international player Manuel Fernandes. Valencia CF. 26 August 2007. 27 August 2007. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927004300/http://www.valenciacf.es/noticias/prelimin.asp?idnoticia=13783&idioma=2&IdBanner=Aleatorio. 27 September 2007.
  23. News: Un agónico triunfo no lava la imagen del Valencia. Agonising win does nothing for Valencia's image. Las Provincias. es. 2 September 2007. 10 November 2017.
  24. Web site: Manuel Fernandes, cedido al Everton hasta final de temporada. Manuel Fernandes, loaned to Everton until the end of the season. Valencia CF. es. 9 January 2008. 9 January 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20080920043855/http://www.valenciacf.es/noticias/prelimin.asp?idnoticia=14733. 20 September 2008.
  25. Web site: Fernandes joins Everton on loan. BBC Sport. 12 January 2008. 12 January 2008.
  26. News: El Valencia enseña su nueva cara goleando al Mallorca. Valencia show new face with rout of Mallorca. El Confidencial. es. 30 August 2008. 10 November 2017.
  27. Web site: Valencia edge past Valladolid. Goal. 5 October 2008. 10 November 2017.
  28. News: Fernandes se rompe el peroné ante el Getafe y tarda 18 horas en darse cuenta. Fernandes fractures fibula against Getafe and does not realize it until 18 hours after. Las Provincias. Joaquín. Ballesta. es. 7 April 2009. 7 October 2020.
  29. News: Besiktas signs Portuguese trio. USA Today. 3 January 2011. 4 June 2012.
  30. Web site: Simão marca penalti decisivo. Simão scores decisive penalty. Rádio e Televisão de Portugal. pt. 11 May 2011. 15 February 2018.
  31. Web site: Three-year deal for Fernandes. Beşiktaş JK. 2 July 2011. 3 July 2011. 5 July 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110705171052/http://www.bjk.com.tr/en/haberler.php?h_no=3574. dead.
  32. Web site: Manuel Fernandes'in transferi konusunda anlaşma sağlanmıştır. An agreement has been reached on the transfer of Manuel Fernandes. Turkish Public Disclosure System. tr. 1 July 2011. 19 August 2011.
  33. Web site: Lokomotiv sign Manuel Fernandes. FC Lokomotiv Moscow. 2 June 2014. 5 June 2014.
  34. Web site: http://www.fclm.ru/ru/info/news/?id_4=25955. ru:Ману Фернандеш – игрок октября!. Manu Fernandes – player of October!. FC Lokomotiv Moscow. ru. 8 November 2014. 20 November 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20141129053807/http://www.fclm.ru/ru/info/news/?id_4=25955. 29 November 2014.
  35. News: Manuel Fernandes faz história e em Moscovo deixam pedido a Fernando Santos. Manuel Fernandes makes history and Fernando Santos gets request from Moscow. O Jogo. Duarte. Tornesi. pt. 29 September 2017. 10 November 2017.
  36. Web site: Nice's Balotelli upstaged by Fernandes treble for Lokomotiv. Reuters. 15 February 2018. 15 February 2018.
  37. Web site: МАНУЭЛ ФЕРНАНДЕШ СТАЛ ИГРОКОМ "КРАСНОДАРА". Manuel Fernandes became a Krasnodar player. FC Krasnodar. ru. 2 September 2019. 2 September 2019.
  38. Web site: "КРАСНОДАР" ПОПРОЩАЛСЯ С МАНУЭЛОМ ФЕРНАНДЕШЕМ И ЙОНОМ ГУДНИ ФЬОЛУСОНОМ. Krasnodar said goodbye to Manuel Fernandes and Jón Guðni Fjóluson. FC Krasnodar. ru. 23 July 2020. 23 July 2020.
  39. Web site: MANUEL FERNANDES KAYSERİSPOR'UMUZDA. Manuel Fernandes joins our Kayserispor. Kayserispor. tr. 5 October 2020. 5 October 2020.
  40. Στον Απόλλωνα Manuel Fernandes, Jerry Mbakogu. Manuel Fernandes, Jerry Mbakogu to Apollon. Apollon Smyrnis. el. 19 February 2022. 20 February 2022.
  41. Web site: Victory in vain for four-goal Portugal. UEFA. Simon. Hart. 16 June 2007. 10 November 2017.
  42. News: Scolari selects Benfica youngster. UEFA. 23 February 2005. 7 May 2008.
  43. News: Portugal vence Canadá por 4–1. Portugal beat Canada 4–1. Público. pt. 26 March 2005. 10 November 2017.
  44. Web site: Almeida takes Portugal to the brink. UEFA. 17 November 2007. 7 May 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20080514142315/http://en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/qualifying/matches/match%3D83800/index.html. 14 May 2008.
  45. Web site: Convocados revelados. Squad revealed. Portuguese Football Federation. pt. 10 May 2010. 11 May 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110615170243/http://www.fpf.pt/portal/page/portal/PORTAL_FUTEBOL/SELECCOES/NOTICIA?notid=9126513. 15 June 2011.
  46. Web site: Pepe in Portugal squad. FIFA. 10 May 2010. 11 May 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20100512155936/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1208424/index.html. 12 May 2010.
  47. Web site: Release list of up to 30 players. FIFA. 13 May 2010. 21 April 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20100601094155/http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/01/20/86/87/Provisional1305.pdf. 1 June 2010.
  48. Web site: Nearly half Portugal's Euro squad to miss World Cup. Special Broadcasting Service. 17 May 2018. 17 May 2018.
  49. Web site: Uruguay 2–1 Portugal. BBC Sport. Gary. Rose. 30 June 2018. 30 June 2018.
  50. Web site: As estrelas que a Europa desviou de Cabo Verde. The stars Europe hijacked from Cape Verde. SAPO. pt. 13 October 2015. 11 November 2015.
  51. Web site: Nélson Semedo: e Portugal lá pescou mais um "tubarão".... Nélson Semedo: and Portugal fished yet another "shark".... Mais Futebol. Sérgio. Pires. pt. 13 October 2015. 11 November 2015.
  52. Web site: Valencia's Fernandes wants Everton move. Premiership Latest. Jake. Briggs. 19 July 2008. 11 June 2016. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090602090120/http://www.premiershiplatest.com/news/valencias-fernandes-wants-everton-move-5512256.html. 2 June 2009.
  53. Web site: Matches played by Manuel Fernandes in 2007/08. BDFutbol. 19 January 2015.
  54. Web site: Matches played by Manuel Fernandes in 2007/08. BDFutbol. 19 January 2015.
  55. Web site: Matches played by Manuel Fernandes in 2007/08. BDFutbol. 19 January 2015.
  56. Web site: Matches played by Manuel Fernandes in 2007/08. BDFutbol. 19 January 2015.
  57. Web site: Matches played by Manuel Fernandes in 2007/08. Soccerbase. 19 January 2015.
  58. Web site: Manuel Fernandes. Soccerway. 19 January 2015.
  59. Web site: Manuel Fernandes. European Football. 22 November 2017.
  60. Web site: Portugal marca passo em Guimarães. Portugal stay par for course in Guimarães. UEFA. pt. 3 September 2010. 13 November 2017.
  61. Web site: Portugal vence Arábia Saudita com golos de Manuel Fernandes, Gonçalo Guedes e João Mário. Portugal beat Saudi Arabia with goals from Manuel Fernandes, Gonçalo Guedes and João Mário. SAPO. pt. 10 November 2017. 14 November 2017.