Bruno Fernandes won't let Cristiano Ronaldo hide from 'costly' mistake that puts World Cup match in jeopardy

Bruno Fernandes has proven himself to be a brilliant leader for both Manchester United and Portugal.

Since being named Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes’ leadership has been questioned by pundits and fans.

However, Fernandes has shown complete loyalty to United by rejecting a £100 million move to Saudi Arabia in the summer.

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The Portuguese playmaker has never hidden from the spotlight and has always taken responsibility on and off the pitch. He takes a similar approach on the international stage and isn’t afraid to hold his teammates accountable, even the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bruno Fernandes is one of 20 United players on international duty over the November break, but he had to sit out of Portugal’s trip to Ireland due to suspension.

In a shock result, Ireland beat Portugal 2-0, and Ronaldo was sent off just after the hour mark, which ended all hope of a comeback.

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Ronaldo was judged to have used his elbow in a swipe at Dara O’Shea, and was shown a straight red card.

As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Fernandes spoke about Ronaldo’s red card in a press conference before their deciding qualifier against Armenia.

“He knows he made a mistake,” he continued, “and unfortunately, he won’t be able to help us tomorrow.”

“In the heat of the game, in the heat of the moment, the frustration of not getting the result we wanted. It’s something that happens in football, Cristiano had a reaction that proved costly. Obviously something he knows he didn’t want to do but ended up happening.”

Cristiano Ronaldo could miss start of World Cup

Fernandes dreams of winning the World Cup, and provided he stays fit, he is almost guaranteed a spot in Portugal’s squad for the 2026 tournament.

Ronaldo will also be a key member of Roberto Martinez’s side, assuming they qualify. However, Ronaldo’s red card has put the former United star at risk of missing the first match.

READ MORE: Portugal suffer similar Bruno Fernandes fate as Man Utd, Ruben Amorim needs to be careful

As pointed out by Sport Illustrated, if Ronaldo faces more than a one-match ban for his elbow on O’Shea, he would potentially miss Portugal’s first match of the World Cup.

Sunday’s clash against Armenia is the last match on Portugal’s schedule before travelling to the 2026 World Cup in the summer.

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