BRUNO FERNANDES says Manchester United must respect Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision if he wants to leave.
Fernandes has been in touch with his fellow Portuguese international since he pulled out the club’s pre-season tour citing ‘family reasons’.
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Ronaldo wants out but has not yet had the offer he wants from a club he believes can compete for the Champions League next season.
Fernandes said: “I don’t want to be involved in that, obviously we have to respect the decision of everyone.
“I don’t know what Cristiano said to the club, to the manager, I don’t know what’s going into his head, but we have to respect his space.
“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.”
Ronaldo was United’s top scorer last season with 24 goals and new boss Erik ten Hag has insisted he wants him to stay.
Fernandes said: “Obviously Cristiano was our top scorer last season, he added goals to us.
“But obviously it’s not on me, it’s the club that has to make the choices and Cristiano makes his own choice.
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“As I said, I don’t know what’s going on in his head.
“If he wants to leave, it’s all about news. I didn’t ask them that.”
Ten Hag said this week that he does not know when the player will join up with the squad even when they return to Manchester.
But he is ready to build his team around him if he stays.
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