Bruno Fernandes Offers Update On Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United Future

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has offered an update on Cristiano Ronaldo's future ahead of the 2022-23 season.

The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League last season and failed to secure a Champions League slot. Ever since the 2022 summer window has opened, Ronaldo has been linked with a move away from Manchester United.

However, his Old Trafford teammate Fernandes believes the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will continue at Manchester United next season.

"What I hope is that Cristiano will be there with me on Monday [in pre-season training], that he's one of those who will come back later because of the Selecao's games and I'm not waiting for [anything] more than that," he told Portuguese outlet O Jogo.

"As far as I know there is nothing more than that, but everyone knows their future. I don't believe the club is willing to lose a [asset] like Cristiano," added Fernandes, who is also Ronaldo's compatriot.

Ronaldo, who still has a year left on his current contract, has publicly stated he is looking forward to working under the new Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, and it seems the admiration is mutual. Even the Dutch boss has expressed his pleasure at getting to coach Ronaldo. Ten Hag could be planning to hand Ronaldo the captain's armband as well at the expense of Harry Maguire, according to 90Min.

It has also been reported that while Ronaldo's agent has been in talks with other clubs over a deal for his client, Manchester United have informed the player he is not available for a transfer this summer.

Ten Hag has a huge task on his hands ahead of the upcoming campaign and he has already begun his work. Manchester United are set to make their first big signing under the former Ajax boss as they are close to securing FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Ronaldo first joined Manchester United in the summer of 2003 and his first stint lasted for six seasons, where he helped the side win many trophies, including three Premier League honors and a Champions League title. He scored 118 goals before he left for Real Madrid in 2009.

The Portuguese ace returned to Old Trafford last summer and his run in the 2021-22 campaign showed he is still their goal-scoring machine. The 37-year-old forward top-scored for the Red Devils last season with 24 goals in 39 competitive appearances. In fact, only Ronaldo and Fernandes touched double digits, with the latter contributing with 10 goals.