Here's a selection of today’s punditry…
Paul Wilson, The Guardian
“[United] have £80m in the kitty after losing a player they always knew they were going to lose. It is a bit like the George Best scenario but with a world-record transfer fee as compensation. Although Best spent 11 seasons with United, only nine of them could be described as full seasons. Ronaldo gave United six full seasons, took them to three league titles and two European Cup finals and left for £80m. It's good business all round, assuming United can source another tricky winger with the whole of the world to choose from.”
Oliver Kay, The Times
“[£80m] wouldn't have been too good to refuse last summer, but another year into a contract that ends in 2012 means that Ronaldo's value will have fallen. The perception is that even such a great player will not be able to repeat his performances from 2006 to 2008 and he has not been quite as effective this campaign. Ronaldo has also indicated that he has wanted to join Real in three of the past four seasons. Also, if his heart is really set on leaving then is it really worth United keeping an unhappy player?”
Kevin Garside, Daily Telegraph
“United have exhausted the Ronaldo template at Old Trafford and recognised the need to move on. Crucially he goes on their terms, not Madrid's. Clubs like United, managed by managers of the calibre of Ferguson, do not engage in random events. The sale of Ronaldo is strategic, linked to a grand design.”
Henry Winter, Daily Telegraph
"Events of the past 24 hours have shown that Sir Alex Ferguson's judgment call on Ronaldo is likely to be proved correct, particularly if he unleashes Rooney in a central position. Rooney excelled for England attacking through the middle against Andorra, operating almost as a fox in the box, scoring twice, having been urged by Fabio Capello to get into the area more. If Ferguson does install Rooney in his most effective position, perhaps introducing another striker like Karim Benzema alongside him, or a creative force like Franck Ribery or Antonio Valencia out wide, Ronaldo's departure will not trigger much mourning. One truism springs to mind: no player is bigger than Manchester United."
John Brewin, ESPN Soccernet
“Ronaldo’s place in United history is already being measured. He became their first Ballon D’Or winner in 40 years in 2008 yet, despite tabloid comparisons that were obviously fishing for reaction, he is nowhere near the pantheon on which Best, Law and Charlton sit. And though he displayed strutting arrogance, an iron will to win and a continental temperament, a lack of equivalent dignity will never see his compared favourably to Eric Cantona. ‘Looking for Cristiano’ is hardly likely to be commissioned.”
The view from Spain - Marca
Over in Spain, Spanish football daily Marca hailed the dual signing of Ronaldo and Kaka, noting that the two most recent winners of the Ballon d’Or will now be playing together at the Bernabéu, reprising the post-millennial Galactico era, when Madrid’s side was stuffed with winners of the prestigious award: Zinedine Zidane (1998), Luis Figo (2000), Michael Owen (2001), Ronaldo (2002).
Marca reporter Javier Estapa also recalled Madrid’s dominant side of the late 1950s, when Raymond Kopa and Alfredo di Stefano (twice) kept the European Footballer of the Year title in the Spanish capital for three years running between 1957 and 1959.
However, a poll on the Marca website shows not all Spaniards were convinced about Ronaldo’s value to Real. The vast majority of more than 50,000 voters - 77% - feel the €96 million fee for Ronaldo is too expensive. Only 16% think the price represents value for money, while 7% reckon it is a bargain.
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