Another 75 minutes in Portugal's 6-0 win over Luxembourg on Sunday evening and Bruno Fernandes' international break has been anything but a break.
Those of a Manchester United persuasion may have hoped meetings with Liechtenstein and Luxembourg would provide a chance for Fernandes to enjoy a well-earned rest. But with new manager Roberto Martinez wanting to get a feel for his strongest side early on, it was business as usual for the Reds midfielder and another 165 minutes in a season with no space to breathe.
Fernandes' 3,837 minutes for United this season is the equivalent of 42.6 full matches and more than any other player across Europe's top five leagues, including goalkeepers. Add another 732 for international duties and the 28-year-old is looking at equal to more than 50 full games over the course of 231 days between the opening fixture against Brighton and yesterday's Portugal appearance.
