Bruno Fernandes might have a Cristiano Ronaldo problem that Manchester United can solve – Dominic Booth

Bruno Fernandes has performed 25 instances for his nation Portugal and scored two targets.

If that file appears pretty normal, albeit unremarkable, for a central midfielder at worldwide stage then it’s value a reminder that his Manchester United returns since becoming a member of the membership in January 2019 learn: performed 67, scored 35.

Cue the ‘penalty service provider’ barbs from opposition followers, little doubt, however that is about greater than the actual fact Cristiano Ronaldo at all times takes the 12-yard kicks for the Portuguese nationwide staff. There’s a distinct and discernible distinction between the roles Fernandes performs for membership, versus nation.

Ronaldo and Fernandes have a lot in frequent, not least how they had been plucked from relative obscurity at Sporting Lisbon and achieved international recognition for his or her shows at Previous Trafford, however in addition they have an identical angle.

A rattled Ronaldo reasonably petulantly stormed off the pitch earlier than the ultimate whistle sounded, as Portugal had been held to a 2-2 draw by Serbia on Saturday night, after seeing his reputable last-minute aim chalked off when it appeared to have crossed the road. Ronaldo, booked for his protestations and so indignant he flung his captain’s armband to the turf, was not impressed.

Watching his response was to be reminded of Fernandes’ related shows of emotion on the sphere for United. Even Ronaldo’s post-game message had all the identical hallmarks as a Fernandes social media post after issues haven’t fairly gone his means, by some means exhibiting constraint and humility minutes after being visibly fuming.

Ronaldo took to Instagram to say: “Being captain of the Portugal nationwide staff is without doubt one of the best pleasure and privileges of my life. I give and can at all times give my all for my nation, that may by no means change. However there are troublesome moments to manage [with], particularly once we really feel like a whole nationwide is being harmed. Head up and face the subsequent problem. Come on Portugal!”

Whether or not or not Fernandes was signed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer merely on the premise of his similarities with Ronaldo is very uncertain, it was his pure numbers for Sporting that first satisfied United to register their curiosity.

Doubts in regards to the power of the Portuguese league might be put aside when any individual was notching as many targets as Fernandes was. He netted 23 in 41 video games in all competitions for Sporting within the 2018/19 season, prompting a summer season of hyperlinks with Premier League golf equipment earlier than the January transfer finally got here to fruition.

This can be a critical participant, United instructed themselves, and beat Tottenham and Liverpool to Fernandes’ signature.

Ronaldo’s function within the signing of Fernandes was extra to strengthen what the youthful man already knew about United — that it could present him with the perfect stage to showcase his expertise.

After being unveiled as a United participant, Fernandes said: “I spoke with him [Ronaldo] after, not earlier than. I mentioned earlier than Manchester, for me, was the dream staff. I at all times needed to play for this staff and it would not matter who can discuss it — unhealthy or good, I’ll come.”

Fernandes’ file for Portugal, nonetheless, is just not unhealthy, however not good in the intervening time.

Whereas he clearly idolises Ronaldo and has been determined to comply with in his footsteps at United, is there a way that he is caught within the nice man’s shadow for Portugal?

Now 36, there may be nonetheless little signal of Ronaldo relenting for his nation and he definitely will not stop whereas he has Ali Daei’s worldwide aim file in his sights. He wants eight extra to achieve 110 targets, which might be greater than anybody has ever scored for a nation.

Some United followers deride the significance of worldwide soccer, however Solskjaer will need his gamers joyful after they fly out and return from being on responsibility with their international locations.

Fernandes’ file with Portugal is just not an issue per se, although it maybe exhibits how smart United had been to make 26-year-old the point of interest of their aspect. He thrives when given such accountability and Solskjaer can solely assist Fernandes develop as a pacesetter at membership stage. The membership are doing every thing they’ll to harness Fernandes’ very good mentality for their very own good, and for the participant’s growth.

He could need to play a ready sport to turn into simply as vital for his nation. He’s already the ‘new Ronaldo’ at Previous Trafford however the outdated one remains to be in situ for the nationwide aspect.