Bruno Fernandes has admitted that he does not know whether teammate Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester United during this summer's transfer window.
Ronaldo is believed to have informed the Red Devils that he wants to depart in the current market, with the Portugal international determined to continue challenging for major trophies at this stage of his career.
The 37-year-old has not been involved for Man United over pre-season, although he has been absent due to a personal issue rather than the speculation surrounding his future.
Man United have continued to insist that Ronaldo is not for sale, but the experienced forward is seemingly still pushing to leave in the current market despite a lack of suitable options.
Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are all believed to have ruled themselves out of the running, while it is unclear whether Atletico Madrid would be able to afford him.
© Reuters
Fernandes, who plays alongside Ronaldo at both club and international level for Portugal, has conceded that he does not know whether the former Sporting Lisbon youngster wants to depart Old Trafford.
"I don't know what Cristiano said to the club and to the manager. I don't know what's going on in his head, if he wants to leave. I didn't ask them that," Fernandes told reporters.
"Obviously, Cristiano was our top scorer last season, he added goals to us. But it's not on me, it's the club that has to make the choices and Cristiano makes his own choice. From everything we know, he had some family problems so we have to respect his space, give him some space and that's it.
"The only thing I asked Cristiano when he didn't turn up was if everything was okay with the family. He told me what was going on, that's it and nothing more. I don't want to be involved in that. We have to respect the decision of everyone."
Ronaldo scored 24 goals and registered three assists in 38 appearances at club level during the 2021-22 campaign, but a disappointing season for Man United saw them finish sixth in the Premier League table and fail to win a trophy.
© Reuters
Last month, Fernandes said that he was fully expecting his teammate to remain at Old Trafford this summer.
"Cristiano Ronaldo situation? I spoke to him weeks ago, so I expect to meet Cristiano on day four for the pre-season trainings - and there's nothing else", Fernandes told Record. "I don't think Man United are open to lose a top resource like Cristiano."
Ronaldo still has another year to run on his contract, with the option of an additional 12 months, and Man United boss Erik ten Hag recently said that the forward could stay at Old Trafford until June 2024.
"I am well-informed he also has an option (to extend his contract), eh? Yes (he could stay beyond this season), but to be honest, of course I have signed here for three years, but in football it's short-term as well. We have to win from the start. So I don't look that far ahead," the Manchester Evening News quoted Ten Hag as saying ahead of the team's latest friendly with Crystal Palace.
However, Ronaldo is still not back in training with the Red Devils, and the club's head coach is unclear when he will report to Carrington to prepare for the new season.
"The same status as last week in Bangkok: no change. I cannot tell you (when he will be back at Carrington). No change in the issue. He is training. I think we all know Ronaldo is a top professional and he will be fit. That is the last concern I have," he added.
Man United, who are next in friendly action against Aston Villa on Saturday, will open their 2022-23 Premier League campaign at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on August 7.
