Bruno Fernandes has 'problem' with Ronaldo at Euro 2024 as Portuguese media wade in

Bruno Fernandes is battling a ‘problem’ at Euro 2024 due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s dwindling pace, according to a media outlet from his native Portugal. The pair are back in the same dressing room this summer after previously spending 18 months as team-mates at Manchester United.

There were concerns during that specific period at Old Trafford that Fernandes and Ronaldo weren’t getting the best out of each other. During the 2021/22 season, Fernandes managed only 10 goals across all competitions – his lowest total since signing for the Red Devils.

The duo still combined well in Portugal’s 3-0 win over Turkey on Saturday, as Ronaldo raced through on goal and unselfishly squared the ball for Fernandes to tap in his nation’s third goal.

But there have been murmurs of concern in the Portuguese media about the dynamics in Roberto Martinez’s attacking ranks, given the preferences of Rafael Leao on the left, and the lack of pace with Bernardo Silva on the right and Ronaldo up top.

“Bernardo is not explosive, Ronaldo no longer has the speed he once did and Leao likes the ball at his feet,” wrote the Observador newspaper. “All this is a problem for Bruno, who likes to throw motorbikes, enjoys the game more broken [up], so he can put in breakaway passes and shoot from the edge of the area.

“He tried all that, but nothing came of it particularly well – until finally, in the 55th minute, he was unmarked at the right time to receive Ronaldo’s assist and score.”

Portugal have still made a decent start to Euro 2024 by winning both of their first two matches. It took a stoppage-time strike from Francisco Conceicao to beat Czechia 2-1 on the first matchday, before a much more convincing display against Turkey.

Bernardo Silva swept home in the 21st minute to put Portugal ahead in Dortmund, before a calamitous own goal from Samet Akaydin doubled the favourites’ advantage.

Then came Fernandes’ simple finish, booking Portugal’s spot in the last 16 one game ahead of schedule. “It wasn’t an easy game,” said Martinez. “Turkey have exceptional individual talent and we stopped that very well.

“We took control after the first goal and defended very well. We kept the focus and the defensive concentration, and it’s a pleasing aspect to get a clean sheet off the back of that.”