Thierry Henry’s post-match analysis of Portugal’s draw against DR Congo cut straight to the core of Cristiano Ronaldo’s draining display, with the Frenchman arguing that the veteran forward is hindering Bruno Fernandes.
There has been no shortage of talking points since the 2026 World Cup began.
From Amad Diallo’s 90th-minute winner to sink Ecuador to Harry Maguire’s omission from the England squad, there have been many stories of interest for United fans.
On Wednesday, the headlines were dominated by Portugal’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo. On top of that, Marcus Rashford scored for England in a convincing 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas.
What did you make of Amad Diallo’s World Cup performance for Ivory Coast?
Amad Diallo scored a 90th minute winner vs Ecuador, how far in the tournament can they go?
Thierry Henry says Cristiano Ronaldo is hindering Bruno Fernandes in Portugal team
Portugal’s draw with DR Congo came as a surprise.
So too did Bruno Fernandes’ performance. The United captain was ineffective against a side featuring at their first World Cup tournament in 52 years.
To DR Congo’s credit, Portugal’s opponents were well-drilled, but not without giving up chances.
However, 1998 World Cup winner with France, Thierry Henry, has given his verdict on what went wrong for Portugal in their opening fixture of the tournament.
Henry believes former United star Cristiano Ronaldo is a hindrance to Fernandes because the 41-year-old is more focused on getting on the scoresheet himself, as evidenced by his passing up opportunities to set up his teammates.
“One thing that’s important, please… people at home… the team needs to score, it’s not you who needs to score,” Henry told FOX Sports, as quoted by A Bola.
“Look here. Portugal has the ball, Conceição is going to receive the ball. Cristiano Ronaldo has been in this situation several times. If you make that run there [in the opposite direction of the ball], you force the defender to make a decision to close that area. But because he wants to score, he goes in Bruno Fernandes’ path.
“If he went to that small area–he’s been in that situation before–the defender would have to follow him, and then it would be an easy goal for Bruno Fernandes. But because he wants to score, he crosses the path of the back pass, you see the two players and it becomes easier for the defence to intercept.
“And that’s my point: the team needs to score, not you. Did you see Bruno Fernandes’ reaction back there, like: ‘let the ball roll, make the run, create space so I can just tap it in’? It didn’t happen.”
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Thierry Henry believes Cristiano Ronaldo is hindering Bruno Fernandes in the Portugal national team
- Henry explains how Ronaldo is more focused to score himself than ensure his teammates get on the scoresheet
- Portugal drew their opening match of the 2026 World Cup against DR Congo on Wednesday
Bruno Fernandes believes Portugal can win the World Cup – Do you agree?
Bruno Fernandes needs to find a breakthrough against Uzbekistan and Colombia
Portugal were into their game with DR Congo as expected winners. Despite that not proving to be the case, the same scenario will apply when they take to the pitch in their two remaining group matches.
Portugal face Uzbekistan on Tuesday and Colombia on the following Sunday.
Fernandes and his Portugal teammates won’t want to be searching for excuses after those two matches, but serious questions need to be asked about Ronaldo and the role he has to play at this World Cup.
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