As Manchester United continue to explore the possibility of signing Bruno Fernandes this month, there was mixed feelings among fans as the Portuguese international started for Sporting CP on Friday.
Plenty felt nervous as they that could scupper any deal, while others were excited to see their possible future attacking midfielder in action.
Fernandes was named captain against Benfica on Friday night and was immediately in the thick of the action in a game that could see Sporting keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Wearing the captain's armband, Fernandes displayed plenty of nice touches and quick feet in a fast-paced derby. He was not shy of telling the referee what he felt about the treatment he was receiving from Benfica defenders, and was involved in a flare-up in the first half.
United fans were watching with interest, and one moment of quality caught their eye in particular.
Fernandes picked up the ball in his own half as a Benfica corner was cleared, and he sent a fantastic 60-yard ball for Rafael Camacho to run onto and strike the post from inside the area.
Naturally, fans were quick to imagine how many goals Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial could score with that kind of service, given United's pace on the break.
Watch the pass here:
Potentially lethal
So much potential
Just lacked the finish
Exciting thought
It's what they need
Sign him up
