ALAN SHEARER believes Bruno Fernandes looks happier without Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch.
The midfielder scored the second for Manchester United last night as they comfortably beat Tottenham at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils were in complete control for most of the game and may have scored even more goals on a different night.
The only issue for United boss Erik ten Hag were the antics of Ronaldo, who threw a strop after failing to get off the bench.
On commentary duties for Amazon Prime Video, Shearer wondered aloud if Fernandes preferred life without Ronaldo on the pitch.
He said: “Would I be stirring if I said Bruno looks happier in this team without Ronaldo?
“I just look at his performance tonight and his energy and look at his leadership and the qualities he has offered both defensively and offensively and he has done so much for them in this performance tonight. He deserved that goal.”
Fernandes used to be the jewel in the crown of Man United’s attacking armoury and scored 18 goals and bagged 12 assists in the season before Ronaldo’s return.
There has even been a suggestion by critics that the two Portuguese stars struggle to play together, with Fernandes’ form falling off dramatically last season.
But after his star performance last night, the 28-year-old insisted he was not obsessed with the idea of being the star man.
He said: “I don’t like being the main (player) because some players need that status.
“I have to work hard, it is my way to play since I was a kid. I will not say I am ‘Man of the Match!’
“I understand my position, when some players are on the pitch I understand that and don’t have problems sacrificing myself to get the best out of my team-mates.”
Fernandes ran the show against Tottenham and created nine chances himself, the most of any player in a Premier League game this season.
Along with starting off the move that led to Fred’s deflected goal, he also scored a fine effort in the second-half.
But United’s encouraging performance threatens to be overshadowed by the latest drama featuring Ronaldo.
Ten Hag was not happy with the unused sub after he stormed down the tunnel five minutes before the full time whistle.
