Bruno Fernandes gives verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance against Spain

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Bruno Fernandes has backed his Manchester United and Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo to rediscover his goalscoring touch.

While Diogo Dalot was an unused substitute, Fernandes and Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes of last night’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the UEFA Nations League.

Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata scored an 88th minute winner which saw Luis Enrique’s La Roja leapfrog Fernando Santos’ Selecao to qualify for the UEFA Nations League finals as group winners.

Bruno Fernandes on Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance against Spain

The 37-year-old had a great chance to break the deadlock in the 47th minute having been played in by Diogo Jota, but Ronaldo’s left footed striker from inside the penalty area was saved by Unai Simon.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had an immediate chance to draw Portugal level after Morata’s strike, but he was again thwarted by Simon.

United and Portugal’s number seven was played in by Joao Cancelo, but his effort couldn’t squirm through the legs of the Athletic Bilbao stopper.

With just one goal to his name for club and country this season, which came via the penalty spot in United’s 2-0 Europa League win against Sheriff Tiraspol, Fernandes backed one of the greatest players of all time to rediscover his goalscoring touch.

Speaking to Diario Record, United’s number eight said: “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 goal-scoring record holder for the team.”

Having started both of Portugal’s Nations League matches this month, Ronaldo will be hoping Erik ten Hag starts him in Sunday’s Manchester derby, but that could depend on the fitness of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.