Man United star has been transformed by Ronaldo after source’s dressing room reveal – pundit
Alex McLeish has suggested Bruno Fernandes may have had to change his mindset in order to shine alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the 27-year-old midfielder looked a different player when his fellow countryman was missing against Aston Villa.
Fernandes netted twice against the Villans, with Ronaldo ruled out through injury.
With the 36-year-old forward back in the starting XI against Brentford on Wednesday (19 January), Fernandes contributed two assists.
A Manchester United source told Football Insider this month (1 January) Fernandes and Ronaldo have been at loggerheads in the dressing room.
McLeish admitted the midfielder looks happier playing when Ronaldo is missing.
He suggested the former Sporting star may have changed his mindset to ensure he stars with or without his fellow countryman.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “It does look as if there’s more of a spring in his step when Cristiano’s not on the field.
“I’m not saying he’s saying: ‘I don’t need to do as much when Ronaldo’s on the pitch. I can give the ball to him,’ or whatever.
“But he certainly seems to be the lynchpin of the team (without Ronaldo). He shines. There’s a great expectation on him.
“Maybe, with Cristiano Ronaldo back in the team, Fernandes will say: ‘Well, I can’t behave like that anymore. I can’t be playing second fiddle to Cristiano, I have to show my quality.”
The duo have scored just three goals set up by the other while at Manchester United.
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