Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer has suggested that Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is "happier" when Cristiano Ronaldo is not on the pitch.
Fernandes scored the second goal of the game as Erik ten Hag's side secured an important 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Wednesday night. The home side were dominant at Old Trafford and were worthy winners against Antonio Conte's men.
Fred opened the scoring for the Reds in the second period, before Fernandes expertly finished past Hugo Lloris to double United's lead. Ten Hag's men were able to see out the remainder of the tie - controlling the latter stages of the match comfortably.
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After Fernandes put United 2-0 in front, Shearer - who was on commentary duty for Amazon Prime - suggested that the Portugal international, who captained the Reds in the absence of Harry Maguire, looked happier on the pitch with Ronaldo on the bench, rather than on the pitch alongside him.
"Would I be stirring if I said Bruno looks happier in this team without Ronaldo?" said the Newcastle legend.
"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."
Ronaldo, who has only started six matches so far this term, was an unused substitute in the victory over the London club, despite Ten Hag hinting before the game that the 37-year-old would play some part in the match.
Fernandes thought he had made it 3-0 when he had the ball in the back of the net towards the end of the tie, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
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