Bruno Fernandes has started his second game for Sporting CP in five days, as Manchester United continue to explore a January transfer for the playmaker.
United want to sign Fernandes this month, but have reached a stalemate in transfer talks after Sporting suddenly raised their asking price.
Fernandes started in Sporting's league defeat to rivals Benfica on Friday, playing the entire 90 minutes. He was again named in the starting XI for the league cup trip to Braga on Tuesday night.
Just as they did on Friday, United fans took to Twitter to reply to Sporting's post announcing the team. Like the Benfica team news, fans were hoping Fernandes avoided injury during the game, while others worried that his inclusion was an indication that the deal was under threat.
Before tonight's game, Sporting assistant Emmanuel Ferro said: "Bruno trained and being with us will be in the call," quoted by A Bola.
"There is a lot of talk about going to him, I believe that those who are outside feel this more. We do not feel the question of going and not going, we do not feel Bruno is going, he is highly competitive and involved with the team.
"There are no plans B for the team, there is a resolution of circumstances at the moment. We live with this daily in high competition, whether in training or game situations. Bruno's importance in this Sporting is not now, but for some years now."
