Bruno Fernandes has praised Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag for bringing more stability and discipline to the club, even appearing to support his tough stance on Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Red Devils defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0 on Tuesday evening to resume their Premier League campaign, and they are now just four points behind second-placed Newcastle with a game in hand.

Both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial scored to allay United’s fears about a lack of attacking options following the termination of Ronaldo’s contract.

The Portuguese superstar, who refused to be substituted against Tottenham earlier this season, gave an explosive interview to Piers Morgan last month in which he claimed he would “never respect” Ten Hag.

But countryman Fernandes clearly does not feel the same way, and has praised the Dutch coach’s discipline and rules, saying the squad now knows they will be ‘out’ if they do not do what is expected of them, similar to what happened with Ronaldo.

‘I think you enjoy it when you win games,’ he said to NBC Sports after the win over Forest. So if you win, everyone will be happier. The strikers want their goals and assists, and it’s always important for everyone.

‘But I think the main thing for us – because we’ve been through difficult times with changing coaches and everything – is that we’ve found a coach who has given us stability.

‘That is really important and something that was lacking, as well as a lot of discipline. That was something that I felt was critical for our team – and, I believe, for every team.

‘But I think in our team we were missing a little bit of that, but now everyone understands that you do whatever you have to do or you’re out.’

‘No, no, obviously I’ve had wonderful times here,’ Fernandes said when asked if he’s enjoying his football at United more than ever.

‘Obviously, if we’re talking statistics, I think my first year or year and a half was amazing.

‘But now I’m probably not getting those same goals and assists, but I’m probably playing much better or being more involved in the game than I was before.

‘Obviously, I think it’s hugely important for me if the team wins, because that makes your week. When you win, it’s much easier to go to training and see the same people every day. It’s difficult to go in after losing and seeing the same faces.’

Fabio Capello slams ‘arrogant’ Ronaldo who’s too ‘cumbersome’

During the time that Cristiano Ronaldo is waiting for a contract that may never come, Fabio Capello has called him “arrogant” and “cumbersome.” Ronaldo was a striker for Manchester United in the past.

After Ronaldo gave a contentious interview to Piers Morgan, which led to his departure from Manchester United, he had a dispute with Portugal manager Fernando Santos, which resulted in him being demoted to the bench for Portugal during the World Cup.

And former England manager Fabio Capello has spoken out against the veteran player, saying that Ronaldo is to blame for the situation because of what he’s done in his career: “Ronaldo brought it onto himself and for what he’s done in his career, it’s a shame.”

“As a player, he is indisputable, but he carried himself with an air of superiority. He offered himself, but was unable to find a club that would believe in him; he’s gotten to the point where he’s a bit cumbersome for a team.

Saudi side Al Nassr are the only side to have made a concrete offer for Ronaldo so far, with a contract worth a whopping £183 million, but Ronaldo has not yet agreed to the deal as he appears to be holding out for a European club. Al Nassr are the only side to have made a concrete offer for Ronaldo so far. There may be a very long delay.

Bruno Fernandes is one player who appears to have benefited from Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United. Bruno Fernandes also appeared to look more comfortable for Portugal when his fellow countryman was not in the team.