Bruno Fernandes responds to Cristiano Ronaldo exit reports

Bruno Fernandes is certain that Cristiano Ronaldo will remain at Manchester United this summer despite the recent speculation surrounding the experienced forward.

Ronaldo scored 24 goals and registered three assists in 38 appearances for the Red Devils during the 2021-22 campaign, but a disappointing season for the club saw them finish sixth in the Premier League table and fail to win a trophy.

There has recently been speculation surrounding the 37-year-old's future, with Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Sporting Lisbon and Inter Miami among the clubs to be linked with his services.

However, Fernandes is fully expecting his club and Portugal 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."

© Reuters

Ronaldo still has another year to run on his contract, with the option of an additional 12 months, and he is expected to spend at least one more season at the club.

The Portuguese is believed to be frustrated by his side's lack of transfer business this summer, with the Red Devils yet to make a signing despite their struggles last term.

However, deals for Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong and Feyenoord's Tyrell Malacia are said to be advanced, while Brentford's Christian Eriksen and Ajax duo Antony and Lisandro Martinez are said to be targets.

Edinson Cavani's departure has left Man United short of cover at centre-forward, but a lack of available strikers this summer could see them instead sign a wide forward to complement Ronaldo.

The former Sporting youngster scored 18 Premier League goals during the 2021-22 campaign, but a difficult season saw the 20-time English champions finish down in sixth position in the table.

© Reuters

The striker also scored six times in seven Champions League appearances, playing a leading role in the Red Devils progressing through the group stage, but they lost to Atletico Madrid in the round of 16.

Man United were back in pre-season training on Monday, with new head coach Erik ten Hag putting the players through their paces at the Carrington complex.

However, those involved for their countries during the June internationals are not due back until next month, and Fernandes is fully expecting to see Ronaldo at the training ground.

A busy pre-season schedule will see the Red Devils fly out to Thailand on July 8, four days before their first match against Liverpool, while they will also take on Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano as part of their preparations for next term.