Record Ronaldo bid accepted
Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.
At the request of Cristiano - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.
Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice.
At the request of Cristiano - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.
Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice.
Blog: Here's to the future
Stretford End Season Ticket holder Paul Davies gives his personal reaction to the news of Ronaldo's impending departure...
So it looks like Ronaldo is getting his dream move to Madrid and Sir Alex will have a transfer kitty available to reshape his team. Personally, I think that’s no bad thing.
I was never one of those disgruntled Reds who booed him when he returned to action last season, but, if I’m honest, I could never muster the same enthusiasm for the “Viva Ronaldo” chants as I’d done previously. Nor could many others. The sentiment being that anyone who isn’t totally committed to the Red cause can leave.
Plenty of United fans will be disappointed today, as no supporter likes to see their best player leave. But plenty of others – especially those in the hardcore that follow the team home and away – will not be quite so sad at his impending departure.
For many, Ronaldo’s courting of Real last summer took the shine off what should have been a summer of celebration. We’d won a third European Cup and a 17th title, yet all we heard about was the Portuguese trying to manufacture a move away from Old Trafford. It felt disrespectful and showed a real lack of commitment to United, and for some supporters these things are forgiven but certainly not forgotten.
He eventually stayed on for the 2008/09 season but could not repeat his form of the previous campaign – it would have been an incredible feat if he had – which reassures me that Manchester United are a quality side and not only about one man. Ronaldo wasn’t poor last term, but he had far less impact than in the two previous campaigns and yet the Reds still scooped three trophies. It’s not a bad base from which to rebuild.
Of course we’ll miss his free-kicks and goals contribution, but in Sir Alex Ferguson we have the best manager to cover for this. We all feared when Roy Keane left that we’d never be able to find a man of his stature to replace him. In the end we didn’t need to, instead Sir Alex spread the load and contribution of Keano across several players – including bringing in our now midfield lynchpin Michael Carrick. The same is called for again.
As well as being confident that Sir Alex will strengthen and cover for the loss of the world player of the year – although, surely that title will soon pass to Messi – I’m delighted we’ll be spared another summer of Ronaldo speculation.
Fergie says the United bus is always moving and waits for no one. So thanks for everything, Ronny, but here's to the future. Ding ding. Tickets, please.
The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.
So it looks like Ronaldo is getting his dream move to Madrid and Sir Alex will have a transfer kitty available to reshape his team. Personally, I think that’s no bad thing.
I was never one of those disgruntled Reds who booed him when he returned to action last season, but, if I’m honest, I could never muster the same enthusiasm for the “Viva Ronaldo” chants as I’d done previously. Nor could many others. The sentiment being that anyone who isn’t totally committed to the Red cause can leave.
Plenty of United fans will be disappointed today, as no supporter likes to see their best player leave. But plenty of others – especially those in the hardcore that follow the team home and away – will not be quite so sad at his impending departure.
For many, Ronaldo’s courting of Real last summer took the shine off what should have been a summer of celebration. We’d won a third European Cup and a 17th title, yet all we heard about was the Portuguese trying to manufacture a move away from Old Trafford. It felt disrespectful and showed a real lack of commitment to United, and for some supporters these things are forgiven but certainly not forgotten.
He eventually stayed on for the 2008/09 season but could not repeat his form of the previous campaign – it would have been an incredible feat if he had – which reassures me that Manchester United are a quality side and not only about one man. Ronaldo wasn’t poor last term, but he had far less impact than in the two previous campaigns and yet the Reds still scooped three trophies. It’s not a bad base from which to rebuild.
Of course we’ll miss his free-kicks and goals contribution, but in Sir Alex Ferguson we have the best manager to cover for this. We all feared when Roy Keane left that we’d never be able to find a man of his stature to replace him. In the end we didn’t need to, instead Sir Alex spread the load and contribution of Keano across several players – including bringing in our now midfield lynchpin Michael Carrick. The same is called for again.
As well as being confident that Sir Alex will strengthen and cover for the loss of the world player of the year – although, surely that title will soon pass to Messi – I’m delighted we’ll be spared another summer of Ronaldo speculation.
Fergie says the United bus is always moving and waits for no one. So thanks for everything, Ronny, but here's to the future. Ding ding. Tickets, please.
The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.
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.
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.
Hold the homepage
Inevitably, the news of Real Madrid's record-breaking £80million offer for Cristiano Ronaldo has whipped up a storm of opinion across the media.
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.
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.
Papers: Sporting swap?
Sporting Lisbon lure Nani
Sporting Lisbon have initiated talks with Manchester United about re-signing Nani on an extended loan spell or arranging a player-plus-cash exchange involving their captain, the attacking midfielder Joao Moutinho. A delegation led by the Sporting vice-president, Ribeiro Teles, is understood to have visited Manchester on Tuesday, hoping to capitalise on a disappointing season for Nani in which he started only seven Premier League games. However, the 22-year-old favours a move to Italy and has expressed misgivings about returning to the club that sold him for around £16m two years ago. A straight cash deal has been ruled out because of Sporting's financial restraints.
Daniel Taylor, The Guardian
Carlos Tevez's United future is also hanging in the balance, according to The Guardian. They allege that Sir Alex Ferguson has made a personal phone call to the striker, who is on international duty, in a bid to persuade him to stay at Old Trafford and spurn the interest of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea, among others.
There is also widespread news of Cristiano Ronaldo's potential move to Real Madrid, a story which has subsequently been confirmed by ManUtd.com.
Sporting Lisbon have initiated talks with Manchester United about re-signing Nani on an extended loan spell or arranging a player-plus-cash exchange involving their captain, the attacking midfielder Joao Moutinho. A delegation led by the Sporting vice-president, Ribeiro Teles, is understood to have visited Manchester on Tuesday, hoping to capitalise on a disappointing season for Nani in which he started only seven Premier League games. However, the 22-year-old favours a move to Italy and has expressed misgivings about returning to the club that sold him for around £16m two years ago. A straight cash deal has been ruled out because of Sporting's financial restraints.
Daniel Taylor, The Guardian
Carlos Tevez's United future is also hanging in the balance, according to The Guardian. They allege that Sir Alex Ferguson has made a personal phone call to the striker, who is on international duty, in a bid to persuade him to stay at Old Trafford and spurn the interest of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea, among others.
There is also widespread news of Cristiano Ronaldo's potential move to Real Madrid, a story which has subsequently been confirmed by ManUtd.com.
Nani
Carlos Tevez
Sir Alex Ferguson
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