Bruno Fernandes says he doesn’t know if Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at Manchester United, but has called for the unsettled star to be given time and space to sort out his problems.

Ronaldo has missed United’s tour of Thailand and Australia due to a family issue after asking to leave Old Trafford this summer, and there is still no sign of when he will return to the club just 17 days before Erik ten Hag’s side kick off the new season.

United insist Ronaldo is not for sale but Fernandes admitted the players are in the dark over his Portugal teammate’s future.

‘I don’t know what Cristiano said to the club and to the manager,’ said Fernandes. ‘I don’t know what’s going on in his head, if he wants to leave. I didn’t ask them that.

‘Obviously, Cristiano was our top scorer last season, he added goals to us. But it’s not on me, it’s the club that has to make the choices and Cristiano makes his own choice.

‘From everything we know, he had some family problems so we have to respect his space, give him some space and that’s it.

‘The only thing I asked Cristiano when he didn’t turn up was if everything was okay with the family.

‘He told me what was going on, that’s it and nothing more.

‘I don’t want to be involved in that. We have to respect the decision of everyone.’