Fernandes reveals private Ronaldo chat as United eye £50m Matanovic in 2027

Bruno Fernandes has revealed he held a private conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo after the 41-year-old’s sudden departure from the Portugal squad, while Manchester United are separately assessing a potential move for Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic, who has been valued at £50m.

Ronaldo left the Portugal camp following a reported falling-out with head coach Jorge Jesus, who had left him on the bench for the 2-1 away win over Norway. The forward posted on Instagram that he would “in due course tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons” behind his withdrawal, and while no formal announcement has been made, his international career appears to be over.

Ahead of Portugal’s home fixture against Norway in Porto, Fernandes confirmed he had been in contact with his club captain. “I had a conversation with Cris,” he said. “What I told him is that the most important thing, regardless of what happens, is that he will never cease to be…” — the source material cuts off at that point, but the disclosure underlines the close relationship between the two United players amid a turbulent moment for Portuguese football.

On the transfer front, United have reportedly been discussing Matanovic internally with a view to making an approach in 2027, either in the January window or, more likely, next summer. The 23-year-old Croatia international has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers after helping Freiburg reach last season’s Europa League final, where they were beaten by Aston Villa. Standing at 6‘5”, he has scored twice in 14 appearances for Croatia and came off the bench at half-time in the country’s 7-0 home defeat to England in the Nations League.

Freiburg are well aware of the growing interest and have raised their asking price from £30m to £50m. Arsenal and Chelsea are also credited with serious interest, and there is a widespread expectation that Matanovic, who is said to be open to a move to England, will be playing in the Premier League in the near future.

The transfer speculation arrives at a difficult moment for United on the pitch. Michael Carrick’s side have managed just one Premier League win from their opening fixtures, suffered a derby defeat, and exited the Carabao Cup. They host Tottenham on Saturday before a Champions League trip to Atletico Madrid, with pressure mounting on the manager to arrest a slide that has left supporters increasingly frustrated.