Bruno Fernandes has rubbished suggestions that he was taking a veiled dig at Cristiano Ronaldo after Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City on Saturday.

In a nutshell

While praising the performance of the Red Devils in this weekend’s derby, Fernandes highlighted a major change in the side when he explained that there is a much greater sense of team spirit in the Old Trafford dressing room nowadays.

“We used to be individuals, now we are a team,” Fernandes said, sparking speculation that he was hinting that United lacked togetherness in the first half of the season, when Cristiano Ronaldo was at the club.

But Fernandes insists he was not referring to Ronaldo at all with his post-match remark.

What’s been said?

Taking to social media, Fernandes wrote: “I know that is difficult to see Manchester United doing well, [but I] don’t have anything to [say] about us on the news apart [from] good things!

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR – DECEMBER 06: Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes of Portugal during the warm up before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Switzerland at Lusail Stadium on December 6, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

“Don’t use my name to attack Cristiano!

“Cristiano was part of our team for half the season and as I said in many interviews, everyone since Liverpool is being amazing and acting like a proper team and you can see the results. We carry on!”

Background

This is not the first time there’s been reports hinting at a rift between Ronaldo and Fernandes.

When Fernandes joined up with Portugal at the World Cup two months ago – days after Ronaldo’s explosive interview with Piers Morgan aired – dressing room footage of an exchange between the pair led many to believe that Fernandes had a frosty response to his fellow countryman. Both insisted that it was just a joke.

Ronaldo has since left United by mutual consent and signed a lucrative contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, while Fernandes has cemented himself as a leader for the Red Devils as the club’s resurgence under Erik ten Hag continues.

Source: buzz.ie