Bruno Fernandes has defended his Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after the 37-year-old came under fire for his performance in Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain on Tuesday.
Despite an impressive win over the Czech Republic on Saturday to go top of Nations League Group A2, the loss to Spain means Fernando Santos' side will not qualify for the finals of the competition.
Following the result, Ronaldo was criticised by both fans and pundits for his lacklustre performance, with calls growing for the talismanic forward to be dropped ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
However, speaking after the game Bruno Fernandes was quick to argue that calls for Ronaldo to be dropped were premature:
'There is no need to make great stories. Cristiano is here, he is here to help, and he will continue to help.
'Cristiano is a forward; he wants to score goals. Frustration is normal, but there was no one more frustrated than anyone else.
'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 game time at club level.
The Portuguese star's desire to make a move away from Old Trafford just twelve months after his long-awaited return was well-publicised, and despite ultimately remaining at the club, Ronaldo has started just one league game under Erik ten Hag this season.
After a barren start to the campaign, Ronaldo finally got off the mark at club level with a penalty in United's Europa League win over FC Sheriff.
Fernandes though, backed his international captain to refind the goalscoring form that has defined his legendary career.
'He has done what he has to do; the goals will appear.
'This is a phase. When the goals start to appear, he will have more capacity and tranquillity to continue scoring many goals for our national team. We cannot forget that he is the best scorer ever.'
LocalBoy1
0
And did he tell you he don’t accept he’s currently state. He’s a professional and a fighter he knows a time will come where he won’t need to Musichub stress anymore.
Than why he gets angry when get substituted. High time to hang boots
stevemass
0
And did he tell you he don’t accept he’s currently state. He’s a professional and a fighter he knows a time will come where he won’t need to Musichub stress anymore.
You don’t expect a big influencer that he is to come out and say; okay ooh am finish now ooh or I can’t like before ooh. I think abt it my brother.
stevemass
0
I know that. He just need to accept who he is now
And did he tell you he don’t accept he’s currently state. He’s a professional and a fighter he knows a time will come where he won’t need to Musichub stress anymore.
LocalBoy1
0
How long do you keep saying fact when you’re supposed to appreciate him for this last time of he’s career. Do you knw that if CR7 can still make a different if he’s manage well and he clears his mind from all the pressures from people like you. Just try and put your self in his shoes almost every one in the world is trolling him, it’s heart braking men, he’s human being like you and I and he has emotions.
I know that. He just need to accept who he is now
stevemass
0
I'm not trolling. I'm speaking the facts
How long do you keep saying fact when you’re supposed to appreciate him for this last time of he’s career. Do you knw that if CR7 can still make a different if he’s manage well and he clears his mind from all the pressures from people like you. Just try and put your self in his shoes almost every one in the world is trolling him, it’s heart braking men, he’s human being like you and I and he has emotions.
LocalBoy1
0
How many chance did the midfielders provider. When watching football always watch with your brain.
I'm not trolling. I'm speaking the facts
stevemass
0
Did he even look for assist. Damn No. Did you see the golden opportunity he missed.. he is not like before accept it. He is Over
Yeah he’s knows and we all do also. The point is what do you again by trolling him since you.
teeacdlpr
0
[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
[image]
fkinng fool
fueacmnu
1
Tapinaldo is a soap opera by himself . Too much drama quee
TobaElegbe
1
You will always be spoken about, people don't continue talking about the dead, it is only the living that will be spoken about. It indicates CR7, is still relevant whether you like it or not
LocalBoy1
0
How many chance did the midfielders provider. When watching football always watch with your brain.
Did he even look for assist. Damn No. Did you see the golden opportunity he missed.. he is not like before accept it. He is Over
stevemass
0
We lose because of Ronaldo and Coach. Let both of them rest. Too old to play in this competitive world. But please let me enjoy the beauty of Football. Cr7 will always be my Idol.
How many chance did the midfielders provider. When watching football always watch with your brain.
LocalBoy1
2
We lose because of Ronaldo and Coach. Let both of them rest. Too old to play in this competitive world. But please let me enjoy the beauty of Football. Cr7 will always be my Idol.
29412590(deleted)
1
Looks like some section of media/people are hell bent on mudering Ronaldo's career... Why not put oneself in his shoes its not as if he wanted to perform badly... He is a human after all...
Wudcdint
0
Ronaldo and Fernandes are both liabilities
Sopaklnoyz
0
Long Live Ronaldo Great Legend
Beckly
0
Is he the best scorer tho?😅
Fehbeklrsu
3
plz cr7 go wait and watch the icon messi the goat of football :Let ur lil sister wicraft go wahct ur bossmesso🤪✌
D-BLUNT
1
Exactly what He is, just the Best scorer of all time
Charmingboy
1
Ronaldo needs help, he wouldn't help the club & country anymore.
Iconwonder
3
I love Ronaldo now and forever 🙌 I don’t care what anybody thinks… I get more frustrated when he’s not scoring goals as supposed but in the other hand it’s a pleasure to watch him play… I’m a fan of Ronaldo doesn’t mean I hate Messi or means he’s better than Messi no , and it doesn’t mean Messi is better than him either… I believe they’re both good in their unique ways … and achievements in football most times is base on privilege …
Goodmannc
3
I think CR7 should’ve retired at 35, or at the end of last season…seems like he’s unmatched mentality is tired, the desire is no longer there… plus his sister is annoying with the Messi obsession while Messi is playing like Barcelona Messi at PSG🙃🙃. As CR7 honest fan, I think Cristiano must retire coz the media(most powerful weapon in the world) finished him already.
Ebubechukwu1996
0
[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Wuabcknpsz
1
Ronaldo & Maguire are always on the AF captions
Ciycetuy
3
when he can't score a penalty he either throw a fans phone or his arm band..