OUT OF RONALDO’S SHADOW, BRUNO FERNANDES LEADS HIS TEAM TO THE 2022 WORLD CUP SEMIFINALS
OUT OF RONALDO’S SHADOW, BRUNO FERNANDES LEADS HIS TEAM TO THE 2022 WORLD CUP SEMIFINALS
By Rashmi Goel
On Monday, Bruno Fernandes broke free from Cristiano Ronaldo's shadow by scoring two goals to propel his team past Uruguay and into the World Cup Round of 16. His career has always been linked to Ronaldo, as he played for Sporting, where his Portugal captain started his illustrious career. It is not uncommon for the local park changing rooms to joke about disputed goals. In this case, it went beyond the dressing room. An authority such as the Portuguese Football Federation has gone further, seeking to transfer a goal from one of their own players. They want Ronaldo to get the goal so it can join the other 118 he has collected for the country. Ronaldo is known for his hunger for goals. It takes a bit of a "me first" attitude to score 819 and more to count. As a result of his very individualistic streak, he has become a legend. It begs the question of why he keeps trying to claim a goal that belongs to someone else.
Bruno Fernandes straddles both groups. Ronaldo attempted to steal Uruguay's opening goal from him. The United man appears unperturbed by the debate. He's equally happy with Cristiano's goal as his. As far as Ronaldo is concerned, saying all the right things is crucial when it comes to following the party line. Another tongue-lashing is possible if you step out of line. In terms of the club level, Ronaldo is no longer Fernandes' problem. Since "CR7" made his second debut in 2021, his performances have declined. Although the midfielder has always been keen to calm ructions between the pair, he has been unable to gain confidence from other players. While United's performance declined in general last season, the impact on Fernandes was the most notable.
Fernandes recorded 18 goals and 11 assists in 37 games in the 2020-21 Premier League season. His totals were 10 goals and six assists in 36 games last season. Fernandes had been United's north star for a season and a half. This was the pivot around which the team oscillated. Last season, Fernandes ceded that role to Ronaldo. This had a profound effect on his own game and the teams. With 18 league goals, Ronaldo played well. Teammates underperformed. Bruno has shown notable improvement this season. His best work, though, was for United. Ronaldo and Fernandes are players who need indulgence. This could be a turning point for the club, with Erik ten Hag free to indulge the 28-year-old over the 37-year-old.
It's a clear-cut situation for the national team. Ronaldo outlined his desire to play until he is 40 in his blockbuster interview with Morgan. That's about two years away. Al-Nassr FC has been rumored to be interested in signing the ex-Real Madrid player. Players in the Saudi Pro League rarely represent countries as strong as Portugal. Ronaldo is a player who transcends convention. Maybe playing a lower standard of football will prove no obstacle, given the Portuguese Federation's desperate attempts to placate him. Ronaldo's absence benefits Fernandes. In football, it is rare to find two apex predators interacting harmoniously. 'Coalgate' should have clarified any doubt Bruno may have had about his ability to coexist with his counterpart. Fernandes' fate is irrelevant to Ronaldo. Now, Fernandes does not have to worry about Ronaldo's fate, for the time being at least for his club.
