Cristiano Ronaldo’s attempt to bite back at his critics might have a major knock-on effect for Manchester United and Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes in a positive way.
The 41-year-old Manchester United legend could not escape the criticism after Portugal’s opening Group K match ended in a 1-1 draw against DR Congo last week.
However, Cristiano Ronaldo was able to hit back at his biggest detractors on Tuesday after the former United star scored a first-half brace against Uzbekistan.
Bruno Fernandes assisted Ronaldo in the 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan at the Houston Stadium, but the United captain’s influence can only develop further.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s willingness to relinquish Portugal’s free-kicks is the true ‘passing-of-the-torch’ moment for Bruno Fernandes
Portugal surprised Uzbekistan, fans in attendance at the Houston Stadium and people watching at home for their superb free-kick routine in the first half.
Cristiano Ronaldo — of all people — played the decoy perfectly for a free-kick and allowed Nuno Mendes to curl a stunning strike into the back of the Uzbekistan net.
Bruno Fernandes also linked up superbly with Ronaldo after the Manchester United legend acted as a distraction with his run-up before he walked towards the wall.
However, Ronaldo burst forward into the box after Fernandes chipped the ball over the top before the Portugal captain failed to convert from close range.
Ronaldo has produced moments of magic from free-kicks, but the Al Nassr superstar has been incredibly wasteful and predictable from set-pieces for Portugal.
UEFA’s official website revealed that Real Madrid legend Ronaldo has only scored from 11 direct free-kicks for Portugal in the 145 matches that he played.
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Bruno Fernandes now has a better shot of bringing his Man Utd free-kick influence to Portugal
There is not a single other United first-team player at Old Trafford who can even come close to what Portuguese midfielder Fernandes can produce from a free-kick.
Fernandes will not always have to aim for the target and can instead pick out one of his teammates with an incredibly accurate cross that only he can produce.
The Red Devils skipper has never scored directly from a free-kick for Portugal and his chance to shine from the set-piece could finally happen at this World Cup.
While Ronaldo continues to prove a point in the final third with his goalscoring ability, the former Juventus superstar must pass over the baton for free-kicks.
Fernandes, much like Nuno Mendes, is the perfect candidate to take a major step forward and show his deadliness from free-kicks on the biggest stage of all.
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