Manchester United news as Bruno Fernandes tells Cristiano Ronaldo what he really thinks of him
Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has made his feelings on Cristiano Ronaldo(Image: MB Media, Getty Images)
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A number of Manchester United stars are nearing their return to the club before the Premier League resumes. After the extended international break, Michael Carrick's team welcome Tottenham on Saturday, aiming to dispel the mounting sense of pessimism surrounding Old Trafford.
United have secured just one league win, suffered defeat in the derby and been eliminated from the Carabao Cup. After the progress achieved under Carrick during the latter stages of last season, the opening month of this campaign proved underwhelming, leaving supporters increasingly frustrated.
There are issues off the pitch, too, with highly rated prospect JJ Gabriel seeking a move. With pressure intensifying on Carrick, United need maximum points against Spurs' costly but underperforming side before a testing Champions League fixture at Atletico Madrid.
Before a pivotal spell for the club, here's a round-up of the latest developments from Old Trafford...
United keen on £50m star
United have reportedly joined the expanding list of clubs monitoring rising star Igor Matanovic. According to CaughtOffside, United have been running the rule over the Croatia striker and are considering submitting an offer in 2027, either in January or, more likely, next summer.
The 23-year-old has elevated his career at Freiburg, guiding the German outfit to last season's Europa League final, where they lost to Aston Villa. With Arsenal and Chelsea also understood to be monitoring his situation, there is mounting speculation that Matanovic, who is believed to be receptive to a switch to England, will become a Premier League player sooner rather than later.
Igor Matanovic of Croatia
Igor Matanovic looks to be on his way to the Premier League(Image: Getty Images)
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Freiburg are conscious of the 6'5" striker's rising stock and are reported to have raised their asking price from £30m to £50m. Matanovic has netted twice in 14 appearances for his nation and entered the fray at the interval during Croatia's 7-0 home thrashing by England in the Nations League.
Fernandes' private Ronaldo chat
Bruno Fernandes has disclosed details of a private conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo following the latter's abrupt withdrawal from international duty. The United legend departed the Portugal squad after a falling-out with head coach Jorge Jesus, who had kept the 41-year-old among the substitutes for the 2-1 away victory over Norway.
Ronaldo stated in an Instagram post that he would "in due course tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons" behind the decision. While there has been no official confirmation, his international career could be over.
Prior to Portugal's home fixture with Norway in Porto on Sunday, Fernandes confirmed he had been in contact with Ronaldo. He said: "I had a conversation with Cris.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo wasn't happy about being an unused substitute against Norway(Image: Getty Images)
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"What I told him is that the most important thing, regardless of what happens, is that he will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team and country, for everything he has done in Portugal and around the world. He has a reserved place not only among the best of all time, but also in the hearts of the Portuguese people."
In a plea for unity, he added: "We cannot divide ourselves; the national team is one, and all parties should resolve their issues behind closed doors. I think that's how it will be, and that everything will end well on both sides.
"We are out of the matter; we spend a lot of time playing cards and are outside the controversy surrounding this issue, but I ask that the country not be divided, not make choices, and accept all sides.
"Cris will always be the greatest icon of our national team, of world football, and deserves the respect of all Portuguese people, regardless of who likes him more or less."