“Big game players” - Manchester United fans rejoice as Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo combine to devastating effect for Portugal
Manchester United fans rejoiced at the sight of Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo linking up for Portugal's 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia.
The two Red Devils were at their scintillating best as Ronaldo squared a delicious ball for Fernandes to finish with aplomb for Portugal's first goal. Fernandes then added another goal as they beat North Macedonia 2-0 on Tuesday, 29 March.
The goal that put Portugal on course for the World Cup in Qatar had Manchester United fans ranting and raving.
Here were just some of the reactions:
BRUNO AND RONALDO INJECT IT! 🇵🇹
Bruno Fernandes
Cristiano Ronaldo
⚽️ Bruno Fernandes
🅰️ Cristiano Ronaldo
#MUFC’s Portuguese duo strike when their country needed them 🔥 https://t.co/SAYo7khnuO
Bruno wins the ball. Passes to Ronaldo. Ronaldo back to Bruno. Bruno goal. Big game players!
🇵🇹 Bruno Fernandes makes it 1-0 for Portugal with a assist for Ronaldo! https://t.co/ZNzWtb8n2D
'Love to see' - Manchester United fans react to Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo combining for Portugal goal #MUFC
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football…
Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo with MOTM performances when Portugal needed the most. https://t.co/sWpI7vJGzQ
Ronaldo nutmegged and sets up for bruno Fernandes
The playmaker we miss
https://t.co/VWiBNSbbj5
🤝 #PORMKD
Bruno Fernandes is on 🔥😂
BRUNO × RONALDO ⚡🤝 #PORMKD https://t.co/asVfBvItmS
We’ll take some of that combination on Saturday please, lads. @Cristiano X @B_Fernandes8
🇵🇹 @B_Fernandes8 🤝 @Cristiano 🇵🇹
#MUFC
Portugal leading 1-0, United link up!
Cristiano Ronaldo assist Bruno Fernandes, things we love to see 😎😛 Portugal leading 1-0, United link up! https://t.co/d4SubnsCYD
BRUNO FERNANDES AND CRISTIANO RONALDO LINK UP 😍😍❤
Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes to link up for Manchester United next season
Prior to Tuesday's game, their had been questions around Ronaldo's footballing future. There were questions as to whether the 2022 World Cup would be the former Real Madrid star's last international tournament.
He hit back at the notion of retirement, saying (via BBC Sport):
"The one who will decide my future is me. If I want to play more, I play. If I don't want to, I don't play."
After Tuesday night's game, he will be at Qatar come winter time but before that all eyes will turn to his club situation. There has been speculation with regard to his future at Manchester United.
The forward has encountered a problematic second-spell at Old Trafford following his move last summer from Juventus.
The Red Devils have been woeful and could even miss out on Champions League football next season. They are sixth in the Premier League, four points off fourth-placed Arsenal, having played one more game.
But the club are set to undergo huge changes which will include a new manager being appointed in the summer. According to The Telegraph, Ajax's Erik ten Hag and Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Mauricio Pochettino are the frontrunners.
Ronaldo may feel that with a solid plan and a new squad being envisioned, he could be part of a huge transformation for the United side.
Certainly, Fernandes does, as he is reportedly on the verge of agreeing a new deal with the Old Trafford outfit, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Magic moment for Bruno Fernandes. Two key goals for Portugal, World Cup secured - then he’ll be fly back to England in order to sign his new contract with Man United. 🔴🇵🇹 #MUFC
New deal until June 2027 has been fully agreed, set to be signed and announced in the coming days. https://t.co/XSTioxCfdZ
Having not hit the heights of his previous seasons, the former Sporting CP midfielder will hope to be the star man under a potential new boss.
But for their country, both Fernandes and Ronaldo will be lining up in what may just be the latter's final chance at World Cup glory.
What a send-off it may be for the footballing icon should he lift the famous trophy in Qatar to add to the European Championship win of 2016.