Nani wades in on Cristiano Ronaldo fiasco and sends Man Utd stern warning

Manchester United cannot afford to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave this summer, according to his former team-mate Nani.

Ronaldo has let it be known he wants to leave United, if a suitable offer is made for him, to join a club that can offer him Champions League football. The Red Devils have insisted their star player is not for sale and are adamant the 37-year-old icon will see out the final year of his contract this season.

Nani, who played alongside close friend Ronaldo for United and Portugal, said the Red Devils must make sure they keep the forward because of his enduring quality. Ronaldo plundered 24 goals last season and Nani, speaking after making his debut for Melbourne Victory in a 4-1 defeat by United, said his former team-mate must stay.

"I hope so," Nani said of Ronaldo remaining at Old Trafford. "He's an important player and a player who always makes a difference. I hope he's in a good mood to help the club, so hopefully he'll stay."

Asked if he had spoken to Ronaldo about his future, Nani said: "No, when he's on vacation he doesn't answer the phone to anybody! I tried to talk to him, but he said 'I'm so busy now, we'll talk soon'."

Nani, who won four Premier League titles and the Champions League at United between 2007 and 2015 also believes Erik ten Hag is the right man to get the fallen giants back on track.

United began their tour with a 4-0 win over arch rivals Liverpool and followed that up with the 4-1 victory on Friday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in front of 74,157 fans. Nani is convinced Ten Hag has what it takes to bring the good times back to United and said: "He's a great manager. He's been doing great.

"Hopefully he can help the lads to perform and do their best. You need to look forward, but I just want to wish all the success for the new coach and the new team.

"I hope the club can get back to the position where they belong and start winning all the trophies again that we are missing so much."

Where will Cristiano Ronaldo be playing his football next season? Have your say in the comments!

On facing United for the first time since leaving, Nani said: "It was fantastic. It was an emotional moment for me. I've been trying to get back to Manchester for a long time, but I've not had the opportunity yet.

"I will visit again very soon, because I miss Old Trafford and Manchester and my old friends. I have a lot of friends there. My son wants to go there as well and see one game and see Old Trafford, because he hasn't had the opportunity. He was born there but we left very early. There are a lot of things to do there and I can't wait to go back."