Bruno Fernandes insists there is “no need for a soap opera” around Cristiano Ronaldo after his team-mate’s poor showing in Portugal and Man United in the loss to Spain, and insists “goals will appear” for the striker. under fire
- Portuguese star Bruno Fernandes came out in defense of Cristiano Ronaldo
- Ronaldo was criticized after a poor performance in Portugal’s loss to Spain
- But Fernandes insisted ‘goals will appear’ despite Ronaldo’s difficult start.
- Ronaldo has scored just one goal in all competitions since the summer break.
Bruno Fernandes defended his Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after the 37-year-old was criticized for his performance in Portugal’s 1-0 loss to Spain on Tuesday.
Despite an impressive victory over the Czech Republic on Saturday to top Nations League Group A2, the loss to Spain means that Fernando Santos’ side will not qualify for the final phase of the competition.
Following the result, Ronaldo was criticized by fans and pundits alike for his lackluster performance, with calls mounting for the talismanic striker to retire before the next World Cup in Qatar.
Bruno Fernandes defended Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal’s defeat against Spain
Ronaldo had problems in the game as Portugal failed to qualify for the Nations League final
However, after the match, Bruno Fernandes was quick to argue that calls to retire Ronaldo were premature:
‘There is no need to make big stories. Cristiano is here, he is here to help and will continue to help.
‘Cristiano is a striker; he wants to score goals. Frustration is normal, but there was no one more frustrated than anyone else.
Fernandes insisted that the entire team was frustrated, but supported Ronaldo to get back into form.
“We were all very frustrated, there is no need to make a soap opera around Cristiano.”
Ronaldo has endured a difficult start to the season with his faltering form on international duty compounded by his lack of playing time at club level.
The Portuguese star’s desire to move away from Old Trafford just twelve months after his long-awaited return was highly publicized and, despite eventually staying at the club, Ronaldo has only started one league match with Erik ten Hag this season.
Ronaldo scored his first goal of the season for Manchester United in the Europa League victory over FC Sheriff
After a barren start to the campaign, Ronaldo finally struck home at club level with a penalty in United’s Europa League victory over FC Sheriff.
Fernandes, however, backed his international captain to recapture the goalscoring form that has defined his legendary career.
He has done what he had to do; goals will appear.
‘This is a phase. When the goals begin to appear, he will have more capacity and peace of mind to continue scoring many goals for our team. We cannot forget that he is the best goalscorer in history.’
