Bruno Fernandes reveals why he wants Ronaldo to stay at Man United
While speaking to The Athletic, Manchester United midfielder, Bruno Fernandes made it known that he continues to feel that opponents devote additional focus to attempting to stop Cristiano Ronaldo.
According to him, it makes his work easier in the midfield. Adding that Ronaldo creates more space for exploits and improvement.
He said: “To play with Cristiano as a No 10 is actually really good because players respect Cristiano so much that it creates more space, as the opponents are afraid of him taking the ball and scoring.
“They want to mark him and (they) create an overload where he is to mark him.”
Fernandes refutes claims that he performs better without Cristiano Ronaldo by pointing out that he has not exactly been productive this season when United’s number seven has not been in the lineup.
He said: “I played the last four Premier League games without Cristiano starting and I scored only one goal. So it is not because of Cristiano. It is about momentum, timing. Sometimes it goes in a bad way and sometimes a better way.
“Obviously he can be really good to play together with, for someone who gives assists, as if you give him the right ball, he will score goals.”
At the beginning of the previous season, the pairing of Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo appeared promising.
Ronaldo scored thanks to an assist from Fernandes against Young Boys, which was followed by another assist for the striker against Atalanta.
Days later, Fernandes provided the assist for Ronaldo’s spectacular opening goal in a 3-0 away victory over Tottenham.
More Stories:
- Fabrizio Romano reveals Chelsea midfield focus for the next transfer window
- Martinez replies Varane after teammates open confession
However, this November assist was the final one Fernandes provided to Ronaldo in any tournament all season, with the two combining for just one Premier League goal.
A portion of this must be attributed to the coaching of Ralf Rangnick. Erik ten Hag has not yet succeeded in bringing the pair together, but it is still very early.
Ronaldo is currently recovering his fitness and form, netting his first penalty kick goal of the season in the Europa League last week.
Fernandes believes he enjoys playing with Ronaldo, and he will have more opportunities to demonstrate this during the international break when Portugal faces Czech Republic and Spain.
