Fernandes stuck in Ronaldo’s shadow
BRUNO FERNANDES was a fabulous penalty taker for Manchester United. He scored his first 10, missed one against Newcastle on October 17, 2020, got straight back on the horse three days later and nailed another 11 straight. At which point Cristiano Ronaldo arrived, since when Fernandes has taken two penalties and missed them both. Could it be imposter syndrome? That, in Portugal, Ronaldo is such an iconic figure that Fernandes suddenly feels uncomfortable collecting the ball ahead of him? Certainly, they have not enjoyed the partnership many imagined. This has been a poor season for Fernandes, which is strange. As for Ronaldo, it is hard to see how he can continue being blamed for United’s frailty, when he is one of the few players keeping his end up. He has 22 goals this season, not his best but United’s next highest goalscorer isn’t even in double figures. Neither is Lionel Messi in 29 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain. It hasn’t worked out as hoped but Ronaldo has done his job. Others at the club cannot say the same.