Bruno Fernandes says Manchester United must move quickly on after confirmation of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Old Trafford exit.
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United announced Ronaldo’s exit by mutual consent with immediate effect on Tuesday, bringing an end to his second spell back in Manchester.
It followed the 37-year-old’s interview with Piers Morgan, where he revealed he has ‘no respect’ for Erik ten Hag, also taking aim at club legends and the owners.
Ronaldo also targeted the Red devils young players, claiming that they do not care enough and do not listen to him.
The former Real Madrid and Juventus forward did not appear before the press on Wednesday alongside manager Fernando Santos ahead of Portugal’s World Cup opening game against Ghana, with Fernandes instead stepping in.
The midfielder insisted he would not ‘pick a side’ amid the fallout between United and Ronaldo but admitted ‘nothing lasts forever’ with his countryman now seeking a new club.
‘I don’t feel uncomfortable. I don’t have to pick a side,’ Fernandes told reporters.
‘It’s been an honour to play alongside him for club and country. It was a dream come true, but nothing lasts forever.
‘Here everybody is focused on the World Cup. Everyone is aware of what it means to represent our country.’
Ronaldo is now a free agent with reports in Spain claiming Newcastle United and Saudi Arabian team Al Nassr are the front runners to sign the veteran striker.
But, ESPN claim Newcastle have ruled themselves out and have no interest in making a move for the player.
Chelsea have emerged again as a potential destination after being offered Ronaldo during the summer with Todd Boehly eager to sign the player after his takeover at Stamford Bridge.
But Boehly’s advances were met with resistance by Chelsea’s then manager, Thomas Tuchel, who was eventually sacked in September.
Graham Potter replaced the German at Stamford Bridge but recent reports have suggested Chelsea boss would be ‘equally unenthused’ over the prospect of Ronaldo joining the club.
