Bruno Fernandes has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to rediscover his goalscoring form after a disappointing start to the season.
The 37-year-old has not been a regular starter under Erik ten Hag and there were questions about his future in a Portugal shirt after last night’s defeat against Spain.
Both Ronaldo and Fernandes played the full 90 minutes on Tuesday night, with Diogo Dalot named among the substitutes after scoring a brace against the Czech Republic.
But they couldn’t do anything about Alvaro Morata’s winner in the 88th minute, which meant Spain qualified for the Nations League finals as group winners.
Speaking to Diario Record, Fernandes came out to support Ronaldo – knowing that the Portuguese media were going to focus on his teammate’s performance.
“It wasn’t just Cristiano who failed. We all tried and we couldn’t. The Spain goalkeeper did very well. 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.
“Cristiano was frustrated, just like the rest of us. He wants to score goals and the goals are going to come along. These are phases. When you score you will have more peace of mind to continue scoring many goals for us. Don’t forget you’re the goalscoring record holder for the team.”
The three Portugal internationals have returned to Carrington for training ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby. Fernandes and Dalot are guaranteed to start, but I wouldn’t be so confident about Ronaldo if Marcus Rashford returns to full fitness in time.
On another note, what better way is there to respond to critics than scoring against City in the derby?
