United target £50m Matanovic as Fernandes breaks silence on Ronaldo's Portugal exit

Manchester United are keeping tabs on Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic and could submit an offer as early as January 2027, while captain Bruno Fernandes has confirmed he reached out to Cristiano Ronaldo after the 41-year-old’s sudden exit from international duty.

United weigh £50m move for Matanovic

According to CaughtOffside, United have been scouting the 23-year-old Croatia international and are considering a formal approach either in the January window or, more likely, next summer. Freiburg, aware of the growing interest in their striker, have reportedly raised their asking price from £30m to £50m.

Matanovic has been one of the standout forwards in the Bundesliga, 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 on at half-time during their 7-0 home defeat to England in the Nations League. Arsenal and Chelsea are also said to be monitoring his situation, and Matanovic is understood to be open to a move to England.

The interest comes at a difficult moment for United under Michael Carrick. The club have managed just one Premier League win, lost the Manchester derby, and exited the Carabao Cup, leaving supporters frustrated ahead of Saturday’s home fixture against Tottenham and a Champions League trip to Atlético Madrid.

Fernandes speaks to Ronaldo after Portugal fallout

Bruno Fernandes has disclosed that he held a private conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo following the forward’s abrupt withdrawal from the Portugal squad. Ronaldo was kept on the bench for Portugal’s 2-1 win in Norway by head coach Jorge Jesus, prompting a public falling-out and his departure from the squad.

In an Instagram post, Ronaldo said he would “in due course tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons” behind his exit. While no official confirmation has been given, speculation is mounting that his international career may be over.

Speaking ahead of Portugal’s home fixture against Norway in Porto, Fernandes confirmed he had been in touch with his former United teammate. “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 greatest.”

Off-field concerns mount at Old Trafford

United’s troubles are not confined to results. Highly rated young prospect JJ Gabriel is reportedly seeking a move away from the club, adding to the sense of unease around Old Trafford as Carrick’s side prepare for what could be a defining run of fixtures.