'To play with Cristiano Ronaldo as a number 10 is actually really good' - Bruno Fernandes

Cristiano Ronaldo has struggled in scoring goals this season and has not been a regular starter for Manchester United, unlike his Portuguese teammate Bruno Fernandes. However, the latter is still comfortable playing alongside him.

football To play with Cristiano Ronaldo as a number 10 is actually really goo' - Bruno Fernandes-ayh

Ayush Gupta

First Published Sep 21, 2022, 10:51 AM IST | Last Updated Sep 21, 2022, 10:51 AM IST

Portuguese sensation Cristiano Ronaldo is at the twilight phase of his career, as he has endured the most challenging start to his ongoing season with English giants Manchester United. He has scored only a goal in eight matches across tournaments this season, while he has not been a regular starter in the past four English Premier League (EPL) games under head coach Erik ten Hag. As he enters the international break phase, it remains to be seen if he is a regular starter for Portugal. Meanwhile, his Portuguese and club teammate Bruno Fernandes has been a regular starter for the Red Devils and has affirmed that he is still comfortable playing alongside Ronnie.

On Tuesday, Fernandes explained to The Athletic: "Most of my assists last season were for him, so I don't think [that's fair]. I just had a poor season in terms of my numbers. I don't think it is about Cristiano or myself. I don't think it is because of Cristiano. It is because I didn't do my best in some moments to get goals or assists."

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"In the national team, I play with him, and he is on the pitch when I score. Playing with Cristiano as a number 10 is excellent because players respect Cristiano so much that it creates more space, as the opponents are afraid of him taking the ball and scoring," added Fernandes.

"I played the last four Premier League games without Cristiano starting, and I scored only a goal. So, it is not because of Cristiano. He can be outstanding to play together with, for someone who gives assists, as if you give him the right ball, he will score goals," Fernandes concluded.