Manuel Fernandes

Club career Born in Sarilhos Pequenos, Moita, Setúbal District, Fernandes started his career with local CUF, scoring 43 goals in five years. In 1975 he got his first break, joining Primeira Liga (the only tier he competed in in a career which spanned almost two decades) club Sporting CP, netting more than 250 times in official matches and only trailing legendary Fernando Peyroteo who totalled over 500. On 14 December 1986, he had arguably his finest moment as a professional, when he netted four to help to the 7–1 home demolition of Benfica.

After that season in Lisbon, Fernandes closed out his career at Vitória de Setúbal, reuniting with his former Sporting teammate Rui Jordão, adding a further 20 total goals to his tally and retiring at 37.

International career Fernandes won 31 caps for Portugal, scoring seven goals. Even though he had that stellar campaign with Sporting, he was excluded from the 1986 FIFA World Cup squad, with the tournament being marred by the Saltillo Affair; he still travelled to Mexico courtesy of his club, later telling the media: "But I wasn't in Saltillo. I watched the games and that was it. I went on vacation near Guadalajara."

Coaching career Fernandes began his coaching career with Setúbal in 1988, and stayed with them a further year (several other spells there would befall in the future). Then, he went on to manage several teams: Estrela da Amadora, Ovarense, Campomaiorense, Tirsense and Santa Clara; the Azores club would be the first from the region to play in the Portuguese top division. winning the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira before quitting his post later that year.

In October 2009, after a successful promotion from the Segunda Liga with União de Leiria, and having already started the following top-flight campaign, Fernandes bought out his contract and returned to struggling Setúbal for a third stint, which ended on 1 March 2011.

Personal life and death Fernandes' son Tiago was also a football player and manager. In December 2020, Sporting dedicated Gate 7 of the Estádio José Alvalade to him.

In May 2024, Sporting chairman Frederico Varandas and club footballer Viktor Gyökeres visited Fernandes in hospital with the league championship cup, before a reception at Lisbon City Hall. He died on 27 June at age 73, three days after surgery for a tumour.

Career statistics Scores and results list Portugal's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Fernandes goal.

Honours Player Sporting CP Primeira Divisão: 1979–80, 1981–82 Taça de Portugal: 1977–78, 1981–82 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 1982

Individual Primeira Divisão top scorer: 1985–86

Manager Sporting CP Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2000