Cristiano Ronaldo has 'earned the right' to make Bruno Fernandes 'angry' over Euro 2024

Wes Brown has admitted Bruno Fernandes was probably “angry” after being substituted early in the match against France. But he insisted Cristiano Ronaldo's presence on the pitch was non-negotiable for Portugal.

The former Manchester United player stressed that despite Ronaldo's lackluster performances at Euro 2024, his status remains too high to warrant a replacement. Brown, who has five Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies, also dismissed any suggestion that Ronaldo's penalty miss in the round of 16 against Slovenia could have affected his confidence in a penalty shootout.

He cited the striker's unwavering mindset that he has retained since his time at Old Trafford. Speaking on Reach's new Euro Thrash podcast – which you can find on YouTube, Apple and Spotify – Brown explained: “There's a lot of respect in this team for Ronaldo.

“There was a free-kick that wasn't even on his side, but he took it anyway because he wanted to score. I think at some point the guys will say: 'He's not going to replace him, there's no chance, this will be his last Euros'.

Brown also suggested that Portugal manager Roberto Martinez was likely keen to avoid the media frenzy that would follow if he made the controversial decision to replace Ronaldo. Faced with the suggestion that not replacing Ronaldo might reflect poor management, Brown strongly disagreed, saying: “I don't think that's the case. He's still the guy who can get you a goal. I don't think there's anyone else in this team who's scored cleanly.”

“Yes, he wasn't playing particularly well, but I don't think the manager wanted that responsibility and the pressure that goes with it to make him go, it would certainly have played a bit of a role.”

On Fernandes' potential disappointment at his early exit, the 23-cap England international added: “He would have been angry. He came off in the 75th minute and he actually won the ball back to try and create. You're going to be frustrated. But if anything, Ronaldo deserved it. I know it's harsh but he's 100 per cent earned the right to stay on the pitch because he can still score you a goal.”

He also discussed Ronaldo's reaction to missed chances during his time at Old Trafford, saying the Portuguese star's attitude hasn't changed since his youth. “He missed a few chances when I was with him at Manchester United in important games, so he's been there and done it.”

“It all depends on whether he can step up to the plate again, but as any striker will tell you, that's your job,” Brown continued. “You want to take the penalty no matter what. He would have been a little disappointed to have missed that one, but he still managed to score. That's the personality of the player. No matter what, he's going to want to score, he's going to want to take the shot, even if there are some you might miss.”