As Euro 2008 heads towards the knockout stages of the competition a report in Marca claims that Pedja Mijatovic is preparing for Real Madrid's final crack at the "Ronaldo operation". According to Marca everything is in place, the deal will be worth 50 million Euros and that includes Robinho.
Even if United were ready to sell Ronaldo it would surely be nowhere near enough as we are talking about £40m and a large chunk of that will be down to Madrid's valuation of Robinho - a player who may not even want to come to United. Fergie could be left with just £20m for team strengthening.
Meanwhile, in a separate development Harry Harris of the Daily Express is claiming that Fergie could even walk out if Ronaldo is sold behind his back. The fear is that the Glazers might jump at the chance to cash-in on the player given the club's debt situation.
Fergie has so far played a very canny game via the media, he has publicly stated that the Glazers have been fantastic owners and they would rather sit Ronaldo in the stand rather than sell him to Real Madrid.
Having gone public and stating the Glazers position, the owners will find it very difficult to sell Ronaldo behind the manager's back and in just in case there's any doubt we have today's story courtesy of the Daily Express. Whether or not Fergie or his advisors are briefing the Express would be interesting to know.
My own view is that United fans should be in no doubt whatsoever that Fergie is doing all he can to hang onto this star player and that he's definitely made some very clever strategic moves to outflank any behind the back shenanigans.
Further to which during the recent David Frost interview, Fergie sent out another coded message to the Glazers when stating that the manager is all important and the minute that he is no longer running the show things will go pear-shaped. Fergie's timing was impeccable and United fans will be hoping that the Glazers listen to their manager and that they do not fold. To sell Ronaldo against Fergie's will would be the ultimate act of betrayal on the part of the club and their owners.
IF however, United sold Ronaldo for £40m you can guarantee that the following week Real Madrid will be claiming that they've already got their money back through the sale of merchandising. The Red Devils would be made look like a laughing stock.
Ronaldo will only get better; there should be no rush to sell him now on the cheap to Real Madrid. Ronaldo must stay.
If he is to leave however, 40 million plus Robinho is a terrible deal for United.
ReplyDeleteRobinho has proved an inconsistent performer, and 40 million is simply too little.
If he is to leave, United should for once, negotiate well, and get a huge deal out of it, which the manager can use effectively to rebuild and expand the squad.
Also, what do you know of Ferguson showing interest in Sneijder?
ReplyDeleteHe has been a great performer for Madrid and Holland, and he would be a welcome and somewhat straightforward replacement for Ronaldo, although integrating him into the team might take time.
Also, what do you know of Ferguson showing interest in Sneijder?
ReplyDeleteHe has been a great performer for Madrid and Holland, and he would be a welcome and somewhat straightforward replacement for Ronaldo, although integrating him into the team might take time.
Sneijder was linked to United before he moved to Madrid. Regarding this latest link. Real have been floating stories via the press linking several players.
ReplyDeleteMy take is that United will not sell no matter what, especially if Fergie gets his way.
One player I wouldnt mind seeing at United is Royston Drenthe he has not settled at Madrid and he's a very good young player.