Bruno Fernandes has revealed how his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo felt during Portugal’s shock defeat to Spain on Monday night
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo felt ‘frustrated’ during Portugal’s game against Spain, well, just like the rest of the team.
Portugal were on course to book a place in the UEFA Nations League finals and needed to avoid a defeat in what was their last but crucial game in the group stage against Spain.
The Portuguese side were obviously the better side and created enough chances to get all three points easily but Cristiano Ronaldo, widely agreed, played in a role in Portugal’s demise at the hands of Spain, having missed all of his chances.
Ronaldo was presented a chance to open the scoring shortly after the second half but his effort from a close-range was denied by Unai Simon. And his reaction upon failing to bury the ball summarised his performance
The 37-year-old forward received widespread critcism from fans across social media, with many of Ronaldo’s fans finally admitting that their GOAT has passed his best and isn’t the force he once was a couple of years back.
Some fans went as far as to criticise Fernando Santos for relying on Ronaldo to deliver result for Portugal, despite knowing that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has struggled at Manchester United this season, going seven goals without a goal or assist.
Bruno Fernandes has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo was frustrated against Spain but believes the United forward will return back to his best form.
“Cristiano is fine, with the ambition to help the national team, as he always has been and there is no need to make great stories [about Ronaldo],” Fernandes said as quoted by Diario Record.
“Cristiano was frustrated [against Spain], just like the rest of us. He wants to score goals and the goals are going to come along. These are phases.”
Bruno Fernandes, who started the game against Spain, is expected to maintain his starting role at Manchester United when club football returns this week but the same cannot be said of Cristiano Ronaldo, who last started a league game for United in August.
United will play visitors to Manchester City on Sunday in the Premier League and that is a chance for the Red Devils to close in on the reigning league champions, who currently sit at the 2nd position with 17 points from seven games.
Erik ten Hag’s side occupy the 5th position with 12 points from six games but have won five of their last six games in all competitions.