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Bruno Fernandes insists there is 'no need for a soap opera' around Cristiano Ronaldo after his Portugal and Man United team-mate's poor display in defeat to Spain - and insists 'goals will appear' for the under-fire forward

Bruno Fernandes has defended his Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after the 37-year-old came under fire for his performance in Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain on Tuesday.

Despite an impressive win over the Czech Republic on Saturday to go top of Nations League Group A2, the loss to Spain means Fernando Santos' side will not qualify for the finals of the competition.

Following the result, Ronaldo was criticised by both fans and pundits for his lacklustre performance, with calls growing for the talismanic forward to be dropped ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.