Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United reunited with Sporting fans ahead of Manchester City's Champions League match against the Portuguese club.
On Wednesday afternoon, two of Manchester's biggest Portuguese stars were the main attraction as Sporting Lisbon supporters came in the city ahead of Manchester City's Champions League match.
City takes on Sporting in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, having won the first game 5-0 three weeks ago in Portugal. Former Benfica players Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias both scored twice, and the old Benfica players handed a major blow to their former great rivals.
Sporting fans embraced Bernardo as he walked his dog before Wednesday night's game, while former favorite Bruno Fernandes posed for photos with visiting supporters after Manchester United training.
Fernandes joined United from Sporting in 2020 for an initial fee of £47 million, alongside fellow Portuguese internationals Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Dalot.
Before Bernardo came across them while walking his dog 'John' in the city centre, Fernandes was seen with Sporting fans outside the Lowry Hotel, hoping for a memorable turnaround at the Etihad tonight.
Although his dog may have been the main attraction, Bernardo Silva posed with Sporting fans.
After the first leg, Bernardo stated that scoring twice was extra special because he is a fan and former player of Sporting's arch rivals Benfica, but the fans were happy to pose for selfies with someone they will certainly be jeering later in the evening.
Given City's large lead - and their manager Ruben Amorim's admission that the odds are stacked against his team - sporting supporters may only be in Manchester for the trip.
Bruno Fernandes takes the time to pose for pictures with Sporting KC supporters.
"With the talent they have available, it's not going to be simple," Amorim remarked. "They have a tiny squad, but it's a high-quality one with a lot of skill and a lot of workshop time."
Amorim, who has been in command of the Portuguese giants since March 2020, explained what his team has to improve in the second leg: "Despite conceding a goal, we started well in the last encounter and managed to keep possession of the ball.
"We'd benefit from being able to press better — which is impossible against Manchester City — and having more possession of the ball.
"It was unusual at Alvalade because chasing the ball when you are down is quite difficult. There are numerous obstacles to overcome.
Bernardo and John, who are named after John Stones, are frequently seen in Manchester.
"We need to improve with and without the ball, as well as handle the result better, so that the players are more stimulated during the game."Bernardo and John, who are named after John Stones, are frequently seen in Manchester.
"We need to improve with and without the ball, as well as handle the result better, so that the players are more stimulated during the game."
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