Man Utd news: £50m striker eyed as Bruno Fernandes reveals private Cristiano Ronaldo chat

· Mirror

Manchester United round-up as a highly rated striker is assessed and Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo hold talks

A host of Manchester United players are close to returning to the club ahead of the resumption of Premier League action. Following the extended international break, Michael Carrick's side host Tottenham on Saturday, looking to lift the growing air of negativity around Old Trafford.

United have just one league victory to their name, have lost the derby and been dumped out of the Carabao Cup. Following the strides made under Carrick over the second half of last season, the first month of this campaign was a disappointment, leaving fans increasingly disgruntled.

Off the pitch, trouble continues to brew as top prospect JJ Gabriel pushes to leave. With the pressure mounting on Carrick, United need three points against Spurs' expensively assembled strugglers before a tough Champions League trip to Atletico Madrid.

Ahead of a crucial period for the club, here's a look at the latest news from Old Trafford…

United keen on £50m star

United have reportedly joined the growing list of leading clubs checking out the highly rated Igor Matanovic. According to CaughtOffside, United have been discussing the Croatia striker internally with a view to making an offer in 2027, either in January or, more likely, next summer.

The 23-year-old has taken his career to new heights at Freiburg, helping the German side to last season's Europa League final, where they were beaten by Aston Villa. With Arsenal and Chelsea also credited with an interest, there's a growing feeling that Matanovic, who is said to be open to moving to England, will be a Premier League player sooner rather than later.

Freiburg are aware of the 6'5" forward's growing value and are said to have increased their valuation from £30m to £50m. Matanovic has two goals from 14 caps for his country and came off the bench at half-time in Croatia's 7-0 home defeat to England in the Nations League.

Fernandes' private Ronaldo chat

Bruno Fernandes has revealed details of a private chat with Cristiano Ronaldo following the latter's sudden withdrawal from international duty. The United icon left the Portugal camp following a bust-up with head coach Jorge Jesus, who had left the 41-year-old on the bench for the 2-1 away win over Norway.

Ronaldo said 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 confirmation, the 41-year-old's international career looks to be over.

Ahead of Portugal's home clash with Norway in Porto on Sunday, Fernandes revealed he had spoken to Ronaldo. He said: "I had a conversation with Cris.

> "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."

It remains to be seen where Ronaldo will be part of Jesus's squad for the final Nations League group matches in November against Denmark and Wales.

Read the original

People in this story

Related