It has been another encouraging international break for Manchester United players, although many supporters are instead eagerly awaiting the return of club football.
Only three matches into the new Premier League season, and there has already been a pause as countries continue their pursuit of World Cup qualification, with United stars heavily involved across Europe.
Qatar will host the next World Cup late next year, but as hosts won't have to qualify for the tournament. Instead they have been playing friendly matches to keep match sharpness, their latest saw them come up against Bruno Fernandes on Saturday night.
With summer signing Cristiano Ronaldo back in Manchester ahead of a potential second debut against Newcastle next week, it was down to Fernandes to return to set-piece duty for his country over the weekend.
Fernandes, 26, came off the bench to complete the scoring as Portugal defeated Qatar 3-1 in their friendly match, netting from a late penalty to put the result beyond doubt.
It was another fine example of his calmness under pressure and served as a timely reminder to United about his set-piece prowess — with compatriot Ronaldo expected to replace him on penalty duties this season.
Ronaldo saw a penalty saved in the late win over the Republic of Ireland in midweek, it was the perfect response from Fernandes to net his only days later.
Elsewhere it was a memorable night for Anthony Martial as he grabbed his first international goal for five years to earn a draw for France against Ukraine.
Martial drew the sides level early in the second-half before he was replaced by Karim Benzema. Paul Pogba played the entirety of the match, but club teammate Raphael Varane was an unused substitute.
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