Cristiano Ronaldo admits he is baffled as to why Bruno Fernandes has not left Sporting Lisbon yet in order to better his playing career.
Fernandes was heavily linked with a move to United in the summer transfer window, however the club did not make an official approach for the player.
The suggestion of Fernandes joining United had been overplayed, particularly by coverage in Portugal, and the club even felt 'irritated' by the coverage at stages over the summer.
Tottenham were interested in a move for the Portugal international but instead opted to sign Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso in order to bolster their midfield.
Ronaldo, who himself left Sporting Lisbon to move to United, believes international teammate Fernandes must now look to follow a similar path in his club career.
"In the national team you have Cancelo, Bruno Fernandes, who nobody knows why he doesn't leave," Ronaldo told TVI.
"In the national team, you have a lot of talent, so I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Possibly this new generation will be the best at the talent level, but that's not enough.
"They have to want to. I have spoken to him. Positive, I'm a captain who wants to help and be helped.
"The atmosphere in the national team is spectacular. The last few years have been the most enjoyable, both because they want to learn and because there is this.
"The most responsible for this is Fernando Santos and the president of the FPF."
