Ex-Reds: Club will move on

Former players are backing United to march on without Cristiano Ronaldo, just as the club has done in the past after other high-profile departures.

Paddy Crerand, a regular contributor to MUTV and United Review, recalled the examples of two former captains, including a predecessor to Ronaldo in the famous number 7 shirt.

"There have been times when other great players have left the club down the years and supporters have (wrongly) thought the world's come to an end. Look at Bryan Robson and Roy Keane, two great, great players for Manchester United, for example," said Paddy.

Clayton Blackmore concurred and cited another former number 7. "We've moved on from big players leaving in the past, like when Eric Cantona retired in 1997," he said.

"This is just another test for the manager really - can he bring someone else in and spend the money well? I'm sure he will do.

"And even if Ronaldo does move, I look at the rest of the squad and we've still got some fantastic players at the club. One player doesn't make the team."

Blackmore's fellow Welshman, Mickey Thomas accepts that Ronaldo's departure would be a "big loss" to United and would "delight the Liverpools and Chelseas of this world" but feels certain that Sir Alex Ferguson has planned for life without the Portuguese star.

"Ronaldo is a great goalscorer and a great creator of goals and without him, it will be more difficult to retain the Premier League and win the Champions League," said Mickey.

"But eighty million pounds is a lot of money and no club could turn that offer down. I'm sure Sir Alex Ferguson knew this was coming and he'll have a replacement in hand. I really believe he has someone in mind. He, more than anyone, knows he has to look forward and look to the future.

"I'm actually pleased that it's now (almost) done and dusted - all that speculation isn't healthy for the dressing room. United have to move on now and keep on winning trophies."

Former striker Frank Stapleton believes more transfer activity is imminent, this time bringing new faces to his old club.

"I feel the (Ronaldo transfer) money will be used very, very quickly," said Stapleton.

"The Champions League final will have opened Sir Alex Ferguson's eyes to what United need to do to stay top, not only in England but in Europe."

Messrs Crerand, Blackmore, Thomas and Stapleton were speaking to Sky Sports News.