Bruno Fernandes appeared to take a swipe at wantaway star Cristiano Ronaldo - by suggesting Manchester United are BETTER without him in the team.

The 37-year-old icon has missed the pre-season tour to Australia due to "personal reasons".

Bruno Fernandes was full of praise for Anthony MartialCredit: AFP

His comments also appeared a dig at absent team-mate Cristiano RonaldoCredit: AP

And that has paved the way for Anthony Martial to take his chance at a United revival.

He scored and assisted in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Tuesday.

Fernandes hailed the Frenchman for his work without the ball - hinting he, and therefore the team, is more effective compared to when Ronaldo plays.

The playmaker, 27, said: "The three guys up front [Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Martial] are really aggressive in the press.

"When they press they make the last line squeeze, and makes the midfield come a little bit higher.”

And Red Devils fans on social media were full of praise for Martial, who now has three goals in three games

One said: "Martial is on fire. Who needs Ronaldo?"

Another joked: "Cristiano Ronaldo can leave now….Martial is back."

Source:thesun.co.uk