Bruno Fernandes has admitted he doesn’t know what the future will hold for his Manchester United and Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 37-year-old has not joined the rest of the squad on their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia for personal reasons amid speculation he could leave Old Trafford for a second time this summer, just 12 months after his return.
Asked about Ronaldo’s situation, Fernandes told reporters: “Obviously we have to respect everyone’s decision.
“I don’t know what Cristiano said to the club, to the coach, I don’t know what was going through his head, but you have to respect his space.
“From what we know, he had some family problems, so we have to respect his space, give him some space and that’s it.”
Ronaldo returned to United last summer in a €15m (£12.86m) move from Juventus, 12 years after ending his first spell with the club, and after having been heavily linked with arch-rivals Manchester City. , by signing a two-year contract with the option of a third.
However, it has emerged that he has asked to be allowed to leave if an acceptable offer comes through, although new boss Erik Ten Hag has insisted the former Real Madrid superstar remains part of his plans.
Fernandes added: “Cristiano was our top scorer last season. He added goals to us, but obviously it’s not up to me, it’s the club that has to make the decisions and Cristiano makes his own.
“Like I said, I don’t know what’s going on in his head. If she wants to leave, everything is news.
“I didn’t ask them that. The only thing I asked Cristiano when he didn’t show up was if everything was okay with the family. He told me what was going on, that’s it and nothing more”.
The United team is currently in Perth ahead of a friendly clash with Premier League rivals Aston Villa on July 23.
