May 16
Ronaldo to Madrid — Again
Real Madrid have Robinho, Reyes and Robben, off the top of my head, for wingers. They also have a fairly bloated squad, which again, isn’t very new. They just won their 31st league title. They are also among the richest clubs in the world.
So, surely they would have some class?
But no. Why would someone want to be normal and do boring stuff like, I don’t know, play by UEFA rules regarding legally approaching players? I mean why would someone want to do that when you have a battering ram that goes by the name of the Spanish media at your disposal? When it comes to a player linked with Real Madrid, ‘No’ is not an answer the press over there would accept. [I also have it on good authority that No in English translates to No in Spanish]
So they would set off to schedule an interview with the Portuguese winger, again. And what do you know: the wing wizard, for once, made a comment that lets doubts sink in. Mission accomplished, the Iberian blokes head back to the mainland, and a cloud of uncertainty envelops OT. Well done Antena 3. Kindly collect your Pullitzer from the cashier’s desk at the Megastore.
A little dramatic, but here’s the thing: Real Madrid, you are a bunch of disgraceful cunts! [I tried my best to look for other words from the slang vocabulary, with little success.]
OK, I’ve got that off my chest, so let me talk something sobering. Ronaldo has been quoted all over the press as saying that he might consider his future after the Champions’ League. Now while I know, deep in my heart, that Ronaldo will leave United at some point in the future it disappoints me to see him put his immediate future in doubt — most crucially ahead of the Champions’ League final. Why can’t he say ‘no’ just another time till the CL final gets over with and then talk whatever he wants?
I’ve had this nagging feeling that a player like Ronaldo, who is clearly driven by the need to succeed and win awards, — both personal and for the team; and he makes no pretences about it — could feel that he’s won enough, if we were to win Wednesday’s final, and decide to move on after staying at OT for one more season.
I would be very disappointed if he decided to jump ship immediately after winning Wednesday’s final.
Remember, my point is not debating whether Ronaldo was misquoted or not; everyone is talking about it, papers have carried actual quotes about what he said — so I see little point in debating what he actually said or in parsing his words out to overanalyse.
But where does this leave us? Considering the amount of wages he’s on and the length of his contract we are always in a strong position when it comes to negotiations. Personally, I am of the opinion that Ronaldo must stay for another season at United because, at the moment, we can’t replace him. Give us even £200m, we won’t be able to find a someone who fits our system and can readily settle in. Unless Madrid offer us £800m, which would almost instantly wipe off our debts, I don’t see any point selling him now.
The one season he stays, I hope, should help the likes of Nani and Anderson mature and provide us with options if Ron is to leave the club.
The influx of foreigners, for all its merits, does have a problem when it comes to club loyalty. You won’t have a Rooney or Rio linked endlessly to Spain or Italy. Nor would they go around professing their dream to play in Spain; which is why it is a part of the reason, other than money, for Flamini and Hleb moving clubs. Arsenal do have a bigger challenge in keeping their players. If there was a bigger case for having a British core of players, it is this. [And before you put your arguments to the contrary, remember, I said a core of British players -- not for all eleven players to be Brit]
For the moment, though, let’s spend time dreaming up ways to bring about the ultimate ruin of Real Madrid. For a start let’s hope global warming causes the Bernabeu to become a cold wasteland littered with animal remains, with weather so extreme that Siberians would shudder.
Amen.
- Why Becks and van “the man†were sold so cheaply to Real
- Wenger Speaks Sense As Platini Loses his Mind
- The Official Word on Heinze | Rooting for Real
- United’s Transfer Strategy — Is There More to Their Denial?
- Heinze Set to Leave OT
Tags: Opinions/Columns
May 16th, 2008 at 10:32
How long does his new deal run? 2012?
If he wants to go, then 50m ought to do it. Saves us a packet on wages too, around 6m / year.
The thing is, he’s asked the same thing every day. 90% of the time he says he’s staying. No one reacts to that. Once in a while he says that he’ll decide later (which can also mean that they should leave him alone till the CL final because that’s more important), and that gets blown up into something totally different.
He says he’s happy at United. That’s good enough. The day he’s not, United should flog him for top dollar and rebuild. The club, the team, is always more important than any single player. Every player is replaceable, eventually.
He’s not going anywhere, but all this speculation is making me more and more at peace with the actual thought of him leaving…
May 16th, 2008 at 10:32
I just woke up and not in a good mood. We have now heard Ronaldo himself not able to guarantee he will be with us next season, and this time he said in ENGLISH!! not some dodgy quotes from a pro REAL tabloid. See interview here http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1126121770/bctid1556197943
Now, like RR said, we always knew he would leave at one point, but i always thought it would be after the 2010 WC. I love the guy, but this is getting really annoying. I don’t know what to think anymore. Should we keep him and go through this even more rumours every week next year?? look at what happened this season, every month something was on the news.. it’ll be every week in the future.
Also, let’s compare it to the Barca situation. Ronaldinho won back to back league titles and the champions league… from that point he went from bad to worse… no motivation to add more to that… maybe next year ronaldo will not have the same passion to push himself to become even better.. is that possible anyway??? do u really think he can score 50 next year???
I know we wont find somsone who can replace him, but IF he were to be sold we should get at least 80 million pounds.. anything lower would be unacceptable… his replacement?? i dont even want to name names now until this is sorted out…
I have a gut feeling he will leave unfortunately, it would be a sad but constant rumors next season would be worse
Let’s now win the CL cause that is the most important thing and guys…always remember that NO ONE is bigger than UNITED!!
May 16th, 2008 at 10:45
[Ahmed]
Yup. 2012. He will be replaceable eventually. But not at the moment. Not for next season.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:58
Ronaldo is not Man United. MUTD is much more than Ronaldo. If u remember a few years back we were worried of how to replace Beckham. So we bought this portuguese kid called Ronaldo to replace him. I trust Fergie and i’m sure if he lets him go he will have his replacement ready and waiting.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:07
[zzxxrrss]
I know he is replaceable but certainly not for next season.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:42
It is quite worrisome. But its plain and simple. Its not whether ronaldo wants to go. Its about whether Fergie would allow it. Even if Ronaldo wants to leave, SAF and CQ will convince him. Its whether they think they are ready for next season without him. I think he’ll stay for another season only.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:45
Is it just me, or does he look a lil tipsy in that video? He’s not speaking sense, that’s for sure!
May 16th, 2008 at 11:54
Beckham’s last action for United was lifting the PL trophy, after that we had to wait for four years befre we did it again. If Ronaldo leaves now, we put ourselves in a similar situation to that one. On top of that Beckham was damn good, but he was never 41-goals good…
Also guys watch the interview, I would say that he has just repeated what he has said in the past, but it just so happens that journalists are getting bored with the level of activity in football and will make this a headline story which adds another, ominous dimension to what Ronaldo has said without any intent from the winger.
Oh, RR, I though that Reyes had left Real Madird. In fact, I am sure he plays for Athletico.
May 16th, 2008 at 12:06
What will annoy me is if we let him go on the cheap like Beckham for £25 million.
We should have sold him for £50 million. Real made the money back from shirt sales in 3 months I seem to remember.
Keep him for a season. Wait for Nani and Anderson to mature and then sell him for £100 million to his beloved spanish suitors.
Ronaldo is always pimping himself out. Real Madrid are a disgrace.
I fully agree with you about having a UK core to the Untited team. Not just for the reasons you have outlined RR. But because Manchester United are a global brand now. It’s important to remember this is a football club based with its roots firmly in Manchester. That’s why I think it would be great to have a core of Manchester lads in the team. Never mind UK lads!
Oh well Ronny. I’ve always thought you only think about yourself. I don’t really ever see you celebrate with your team mates when they score. It gives me this nagging feeling that you’re just here for the ride. Sorry.
May 16th, 2008 at 12:18
Shir Shit SHit….am tired of this…… Dear ronaldo u can leave us if u want…
one thing..u r never going to enjoy the brilliance , dominance , respect whcih u had
here from the fans and players …u wont take penalty…u wont take free kicks…
u will never get 40 goals a season….and u r gonna join the ruuud .. ur old Pal…
and frenz nobody is irreplacable….if we can get clsoe to 80m i thinks he can be sold….
or a swap deal with robben and 60m……buy benzema and quaresma / ronaldinho (whom
i still believe isa top class)….As longs as Fergie is there i will never be worried abt any thing
..In fergie we trust… we have had this cases earlier in Stam,Ruud,Becks,keano….
we have FERGIEEEEEEEEEE
May 16th, 2008 at 12:34
Lets not act as fickle fans. Ronaldo is a Portugese fellow and has always wanted to play for Madrid. I would hate it if Madrid got him but we just cannot ignore Ronaldo’s great play for us. Hate that club not the player. Ronaldo will always be an awesome United player. He may not be a legend if he leaves but a great, yes
May 16th, 2008 at 12:44
I think we need to remember that Fergie was the only one supporting Ronnie after the WC. I think Ronniehas a special relation to the club and Sir Alex that prevents him from moving, at least for the moment.
May 16th, 2008 at 12:48
if the kid wants to go let him go. i am pretty much sure that sir alex will find a replacement even if it is not this season but sooner or later the replacement will come. after all i think wat madrid are prepared to pay is good value .UP THE RED DEVILS……
May 16th, 2008 at 12:58
I always thought Ronaldo would stick around until he was 27-28 and THEN fuck off to Spain for the peak years of his career, so what I’m reading now is quite surprising. The thing is, Madrid are a club on the wane. They buy washed up Man Utd rejects for fucks sake (Ruud, Heinze, Becks)! They also haven’t won the CL for six years and their current team is no match for the Galactico side of the early 2000’s, with the likes of Figo, Zidane, Makelele, Raul and Ronaldo (the Brazilian one) all in their pomp. Now, THAT was one hell of a scary team, and I don’t think anybody here would easily forget the 3-1 humbling we received in the Bernabeu in 02/03, when they completely and utterly passed us off the park…
…anyway back to Ronaldo (our one!); now it is we who are arguably the premier footballing side in Europe (a win next Wednesday will all but confirm it) and with the foundations in place to dominate home and abroad for the next few years, Ronaldo will be making a huge mistake and a big step down by leaving United this season. He’ll be joining a crazy circus where players and managers pass through a revolving door each season if results aren’t up to scratch and where the Spanish media will murder him if he misses a penalty or ‘only’ scores 20 goals in a season.
You only have to look across at our rivals Arsenal and what happened to players like Anelka, Overmars, Petit and Henry who thought that the grass was greener in Spain. None of them went on to better things, while Arsenal and Wenger went from strength to strength. The same will happen with Ronaldo and United.
Ronaldo, you are already in the best league in the world, playing for the best team in that league and managed by the best manager in it too. You’re the king of Old Trafford and you’ll never receive the adoration you get there in the Bernabeu, so please think very very carefully about what you are going to do next mate…
May 16th, 2008 at 13:00
Ronaldo came to Man U to become the best player in the world and win things. Man U is a vehicle for him to achieve these personal ambitions. Once he has achieved those things Im sure he will go to Spain. So there is a slim chance that if he wins the Champions League and the world player of the year, he will consider it mission accomplished and go to Spain where the climate, the lifestyle and the women are more to his suiting.
I would imagine if we sold we would get 50 million. Possibly more. I’d like us to spend that money on someone like Benzema, stick Nani on the right, and find a Giggs replacement who can also cross the ball. I can see us playing with more width, relying more on crosses etc. Anderson will play in the centre, Carrick would hopefully give way for a world class midfielder and we’d look something like:
Foster
Brown Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Nani Anderson Hargreaves/star midfielder Giggs replacement
Rooney Benzema
May 16th, 2008 at 13:50
Benzema is a Lyon player who wants to stay…..the irony. As for Ronaldo, he will stay, one can sense it.
Selling him for anything less than 100m will be doing a Beckham in today’s age:
” Peanuts, we got him for peanuts, Boss ” remember anyone.
May 16th, 2008 at 13:57
2001 Real Madrid-United
2002 Valencia-Arsenal
2003 Real Madrid-United
2004 Valencia-Arsenal
2005 Barca-Chelski
2006 Barca-Chelski
2007 Real Madrid-United
2008 Real Madrid-United
May be it wont be that bad afterall.
May 16th, 2008 at 14:33
Colver; wanting to replace Carrick after he has just won us 2 league titles is an absolute disgrace. He may not be the driving force of the team but people have realised that he is quietly effective. Also why couldn’t we just keep Nani on the left and buy a right winger?
May 16th, 2008 at 14:39
Red Ranter, Ronnie is a player for hire, like most of the forigners in the league.
Anderson, Nani all the same if Ronnie left and sais how marvellous Real are the they would jump ship too.
Back to the point of we can’t sell Ronnie now, his value is at its absolute peak, especially as if (and a pray to God we do) beat the Chava in the final.
He is a great player no doubt, but do you really believe he will score the goals he did last season, and with out the goals is he worth all the money quoted? Ps Miguel would be a great signing
May 16th, 2008 at 14:55
After watching the video I can sense his annoyance with this question. The interviewer asks the same question again and again after he states he happy with the club and intends on staying. He even mentions that while it would be a dream to play in Spain not all dreams come true and I’d be fine with that. Do you ever think he might just be laying the ground work to get another contract increase? Perhaps he, and his agents, are savvy negotiators…Seriously though - I think he’s just tired of getting this question every time someone sticks a microphone in front of him and just opted for the, “I don’t know what the future will hold” answer.
As fans I think we need to realize that we don’t have to hang on every word a player mentions. Players get frustrated with reporters and what gets printed and shared isn’t always what is in their hearts.
I think we can be content in knowing that the club is in a better position now than when Ronaldo joined (as our fortunates and trophy cabinets continue to grow.) I doubt Ronaldo leaves now as Fergie has a special bond with the player. When SAF retires though, I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Ronnie depart to warmer climes.
I guess my point is to go and watch the video http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1126121770/bctid1556197943
his frustration with this question (are you staying) is noticeable and perhaps he had few drinks before the award presentation and had a loose tongue. There’s nothing I hear from him that states he’s ready to leave the club, now, or in the immediate future. I’m sure we will continue to pursue and add additional talent to the squad as that’s the natural course of action as the seasons come and go.
Lets look forward to next week’s game - Come on you Reds!
May 16th, 2008 at 14:58
Look, Its good Ronaldo is moving on. We need to believe in our team. With or without Ronaldo, We still have United. Let him go. Owen left Liverpool, next season they won the UCL without owen. So what the Heck!!!! Let Him go, and let other guys find expression. Henry left arsenal and believe me it brought the best out of the team, though they did not win anything. Believe it or not overdependence on one player is not good for the team.
May 16th, 2008 at 15:03
[Andrei]
You’re right. Reyes plays for Atletico
May 16th, 2008 at 15:30
I am really tired of this shit. I don’t care what he says, but I am sure he will be with us at least while SAF is here and after that it will depend on his replacement. I watched the interview and it wasn’t a big deal. I know in my heart that it will be a mistake for him to move, but then again I would have loved for him to be more loyal. We got 2 great seasons from him and we gonna get another 2 at least so let’s just calm down and concentrate on our Final
May 16th, 2008 at 15:32
Some good news amidst all this uncertainty around Ronaldo’s future:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1050073_tevez_ready_to_sign
May 16th, 2008 at 15:35
You can see that he was frustrated with the interview. And I think the most frustrating thing for all of us is the fact that this is all happening now a few days before one of our biggest games. Surely this is unsettling the players and it all boils down to the journalists. It’s as if they have this plan to take United down. At this point the only thing the team should be worried about is winning that game. Fergie should ban any of the players from doing interviews until the game is over.
May 16th, 2008 at 15:46
why are some of you united fans crying and even getting nasty with ronaldo you should be saying a big thank you to him because it’s been a fantastic ride in the last two years back to back titles does not get better than that. don’t be ironic you lot you want loyalty from players yet I see you lot giving giggs and scholes awful stick because what you seem to think they are over the hill, yet ironically these are the players that have shown brilliant loyalty to united. if ronaldo was 31 and not playing well you lot would be saying sell him he is past it, I hope he does not leave but to say we could be like it was when beckham left is rubbish the difference is back then united shopped badly.
May 16th, 2008 at 15:57
Carrick is great but I believe without Scholes he will not be as good a player. I also am not convinced he’ll play that well with Anderson. I like him as part of a three man midfield in a deep lying holding role, but when Scholes has gone Id like Anderson paired with someone more dynamic
May 16th, 2008 at 16:06
It’s amazing what a few words can do…he’s not for sale, would Barca sell Messi just because another team kept going on about him, will Lyon sell Benzema just like that…no, they will agonise anyone who’s interested, and get well over the odds.
Tell the boy he’s not going anywhere and to shut his mouth…it would be a terrible move for him…
Adulation has gone to the guy’s head…wake up! Be a true United legend by being faithful, there is so much more glory in being like a Giggs, Scholes or a Rual.
In the space of a few hours he’s gone from staying for 3 or 4 more years to just a few weeks or at best a year…well it ain’t that easy, United has got to get tough on this one.
May 16th, 2008 at 16:26
all i an say is fingers crossed…
May 16th, 2008 at 16:38
I heard a few days back that Ronaldo was not happy that a new contract wasnt on the table after initial talks were held, I STRONGLY BELIEVE that he is just sending a warning to united to get that contract offer out now for him to sign.
I’ve always felt he would leave us when he was 25/26 and still think thats the case. He will be here for another 2 years and become the greatest player in our history - he wants that and he is happy here and knows he is at the right club.
We all know he is going to spain at some point but not yet……
when he says ‘who knows what will happen’ its fair enough, united may decide to flog him and he cant do anything about it! jokes.
But on the flip side if he did go then i’d like 50m + Robinho.
May 16th, 2008 at 16:48
Colver; Anderson is a dynamic player himself, why would we nee two? A calm partner for him should be what he needs. It is a known fact that no matter who Carrick has played with, that is when we have won most of our points. And Carrick’s partnership with Anderson was great in the 2 or 3 games they played together, I think they won every match. Their partnership should be compared to Scholes and Keane, with Keane/Anderson being the hard worker and the one who provides drive for the team, whereas Scholes/Carrick have the ability to control the tempo of a game and spread passes around. Not I’m not saying Carrick and Anderson have the ability of Scholes and Keane in their prime, but I’m just trying to make a comparison.
May 16th, 2008 at 16:51
I have a theory as to what has brought this change in attitude for our boy Ronny. It’s a girl. Remember, he has a girlfriend in Madrid and I would not be surprised if that is the number one and only reason why he want s to go. Lets not forget that he is human and he has the same kinds of needs and feelings as do we all. At the age of 22 I left my home in Edmonton Canada and followed my girlfriend’s career ambitions to Toronto. It was crazy and a stupid motivation to do so but I loved her and wanted to be with her. Never underestimate the turmoil that affairs of the heart can bring to a young man. When I first met her I never wanted to work, play sports with my friends or do anything except be with her. I couldn’t get enough of her. I have a very sneaky suspicion that is what is happening to Ronaldo. The girl has got him wrapped around her little finger and she is dictating the terms. He may have millions of pounds but she has all the power, trust me. Add to this the probability that the girl does not like life and the climate in the north of England as well as Ronaldo’s childhood dream to play for Real and you have a recipe for disaster. He is young and relatively immature and inexperienced in these matters and he is now thinking with his heart and not his mind. Trust me friends, I have a very strong feeling I am right about this. The fact that the girl is also a model adds to the ammunition. My former ex was a model too and one cannot resist the beautiful allure of a beautiful and seductive woman. Ronaldo is in love and we may lose him to a woman, not Real.
May 16th, 2008 at 16:55
If Ronaldo wanted to go right now i.e. after winning the Champions League Final, (if I were SAF) I would demand £150m up front or £100m and Casillas and Robben/Robinho in part-exchange. What Real would say to that?
May 16th, 2008 at 16:56
if he wants to go, let him go to barcelona instead, Trade ronaldo for messi + 20 million
May 16th, 2008 at 16:59
Clover: Saying we should go and play with more width and rely more on crosses surely cant then go hand in hand by getting Benzema in to play up front with Rooney. If we were to play that way then someone like Huntelaar would be much more suitable.
I think with Scholes in his last couple of seasons we are well covered in the middle of midfield - Carrick has become much more of a game influenceing midfielder in his 2 years here, Anderson has masses of talent and will improve and that not forgetting Hargreaves who is a world class CM. With Possebons potential, Flethcher proving a fantastic back up im happy with that area of the pitch.
May 16th, 2008 at 17:02
Bloody women
Il y a une femme dans toute les affaires; aussitôt qu’on me fait un rapport, je dis: ‘Cherchez la femme’.
Translated into English this reads:
There is a woman in every case; as soon as they bring me a report, I say, ‘Look for the woman’.
We need to find him an English rose quick
May 16th, 2008 at 17:02
This is the sort of thing that drives us nuts when we don’t have any footy to focus on. I hope that he stays because I love watching him play for United. You could see his frustration in the interview and I can’t imagine what that constant haranguing would feel like. How many times does the man have to say that he’s happy here before they leave him alone?
May 16th, 2008 at 17:03
Grog: What are the chances she is also on the Real Madrid payroll?!
May 16th, 2008 at 17:04
[Grognard]
Your theory is quite possible. But he’s been with her for what, 3 months? Another reason could be Ronaldo’s mother expressing her wish to see her son play for Real before her death. A little melodramatic, but given his close ties with his family (and the loss of his father three years ago) he might look to honour her wish sooner than later.
May 16th, 2008 at 17:05
I know that this article had to be written ‘cos its the only real utd story today but… Its all Bollocks. Hes not going anywhere. As the man said, the spanish press are stirring it up and asking him this question day after day. There are only so many ways to say “I’m staying” and he slipped up.
On the other hand, if we were to sell, now would be the time because his value can only go down from here. To all the people saying Ronaldo will keep getting better - you are deluded. His pace and quick feet are his oustanding assets and they only going to diminish. Which winger ever has ever stayed as world #1 for years and years? £100m sounds like a nice valuation for United - not that Real can afford it.
May 16th, 2008 at 17:06
Yeah if we are to lose Ronaldo I would want to Replace him with Messi. He should go to Barca for a Messi and I’ll be fine with that.
I don’t feel like Ronaldo is thinking of moving though this is just the Spanish media spinning . And by the way Beckham left for Real Madrid (to the British core argument) we felt gutted but United lives on. Stam left, after a topsy turvy season Rio came along, these things always will happen. Players leaving happens whether we like it or not, British or not. But United is still there and hopefully so is our shinning knight, Sir Fergie!
May 16th, 2008 at 17:10
Grognard: I’m not sure I agree whether developments in his personal life are behind all this. True he does have a Spanish girlfriend but what you said would only apply if he was serious with her. Which I don’t think is the case since he has stated himself in the past that he doesn’t want any serious relationships until he is 30, in case they interfere with his football career. Add to that the fact that he’s had a steady string of celebrity girlfriends since he joined us and he likes to invite hookers round to his house as well every now and then
and I’m not so sure your theory holds up.
I think he just subtly hinting that he wants a pay rise because of what he has done this season, and who would begrudge him that??
May 16th, 2008 at 17:11
Also for those considering Robben and Deco as future united players then please think again. Do u really want those 2 waste of spaces at our club?! Thought not…….
May 16th, 2008 at 17:12
For those thinking Messi is the answer, he’s far too injury prone even in the relatively calm La Liga. He’s needed some hormonal treatment to bulk up, and I doubt if the rumble and tumble of the premiership would do him any good. He might end up like Rosicky or van Persie for all you know.
May 16th, 2008 at 17:18
@Ryan: Ok maybe not Robben. What about Sneijder then? He’s a quick, technically brilliant player who can play all across midfield and in attack and can take good free-kicks too, so would be a very good addition to our squad IMO.
May 16th, 2008 at 17:18
I was just thinking yesterday that I’m tired of the tapping up and I’m starting to think we should just sell him. I say 90-100 million lbs plus sneijder. Then buy quaresma for 25 million. I would be gutted if he leaves but quaresma would make me smile again.
May 16th, 2008 at 17:18
I am not going to bother reading all the posts here.
But here’s what I got from the interview:
He starts by declairing that he’s happy, so many clubs are intersted in him, and that he’s flattered people like the way he plays.
By the time of the last question, he’s clearly annoyed by three questions of the same caliber just before, and he just swiftly sends out a standard answer… something like “the future no one knows”, and could he be more right?
I can see, he’s annoyed at the end… it’s so obvious. Where he fails in the interview is that he lets himself get caught in the interviewr’s web.
But this is where we fail as fans/readers/listeners: We should be better at reading the media and these situations in general.
Based on what I have seen in this interview, there’s absolutely no way, he’s not our player next season.
And here’s another reason:
Why in the world should SAF sell a player reaching his peak just about this or next season, when he’s groomed him into the player he is today, and who’s under contract for 4 more years? It would make absoutely no sense, and we should all know this before casting judgment.
Ronaldo knows this as well, and he knows what’s at stake here. That is also why he has repeatedly said that some dreams don’t come true. SAF has certainly explained to him that he can’t go anywhere in near future.
What could change that is SAF’s retirement, which we all fear.
But for now: Don’t worry.
May 16th, 2008 at 17:20
[Brett]
I hope you are right about the story being bollocks, and my gut feeling says it is [I think he will stay for another season at least].
As regards pace and quick feet, you would think he’d have it even when he’s 25 — which is a good time to sell him. Pace and quick feet would diminish around the 28 - 30 year mark; Giggs could run at defences when he was 28.
Plus the talk about Ronaldo getting better also refers to his ability to play more for the team — such as looking for the right pass, tracking back — i.e., gain more cerebral attributes. And he has shown that side of his game too, lately. I think Ronaldo will get better and hit his peak when he’s about 25. Just as Ronaldinho did it. If he goes to Madrid then, let him — I don’t care as long as we plan a replacement. We would still get a handsome sum because of his marketability and the years still left in his contract. If he keeps his form, he would still sell for £50m next season.
May 16th, 2008 at 17:27
OK I’ve been commenting too often for my own good but here’s a final remark.
The interview on the video was about him talking to Sky Sports. The one I was referring to in my article, however, was his interview to a Spanish TV station Antena 3 where he clearly states this:
“I’m very happy here but let’s see after the Champions League final what happens,” Ronaldo told Spanish TV at United’s training ground.[source BBC]
Since he’s putting a time on it i.e., “let’s see after the CL final”, I felt the need to address it in an entire post. I find it a little curious if players cast doubts on their short term future. Had he made a general statement like “I may play in Spain someday”, like he usually makes, I would have just mentioned this whole ‘Ronaldo to Madrid’ thing as a footnote in an article rather than using up an entire post.
May 16th, 2008 at 17:35
Nino: Sniejder is a very very good player, best position is central midfield so whilst his versatility would be a great addition he is not what we need right now especially as he would cost upwards of 20m.
May 16th, 2008 at 17:45
Here is the Time article which mentions about his GF ‘Nereida Gallardo’, and another article that he would propose.
May 16th, 2008 at 17:50
As for Real Madrid, I wrote in yesterday’s post that FIFA and UEFA should be approached by United and charges of tampering must be laid down at the feet of Senior Calderon and all his henchmen at Real Madrid. Enough is enough already. FIFA, do your job and and make an example of this very fat and stinky cat once and for all. Discourage the tampering tactics that this club uses because it feels that everyone and every team have a price. Fining Real means little. Special sanctions and suspensions like one year removed from the Champions League or points demotion in their domestic league should work wonders. It certainly brought some humility to Juventus. They are a disgrace and their tactics and illegal activities are and outrage and must not continue for fear of totally ruining the great game. It is not Real Madrid’s god given right to possess every great football player alive at some point in their careers. God I despise their bloated arrogance and idiotic feeling of superiority over everyone else. They need to be taught a lesson and I’m bold enough to say that Ronaldo needs to be made an example of to. Refuse to sell him even if it hurts him and he pouts. I’d rather sit him on the bench for a year before I sold him. And then, I would sell him to another Spanish club like Barcelona before I gave Madrid the time of day. By this time he will be unhappy enough with the example we have made of him that he will welcome a transfer to any club. But put in the transfer clause that the club that he is sold to cannot sell him to real Madrid for another three years or so. Teach both of them a lesson. Do that or demand not a penny less than 150 million. I also agree with RR that we should not let him go no earlier than one year from now. Ronaldo out of respect should give United a year to recover from the shock and to prepare for his departure. I twill take time to find and secure the replacement or replacements to the team that will be needed to leave the Ronaldo era behind. This cannot happen this off season as it is very last second. All the more reason why United should sign Ashevin as he would be a decent piece in that reshaping process.
RR; You make a lot of sense about the need to make the team have a larger core of British players. Bayern Munich has always had that same belief in Germany. No matter the fact that they will go out and buy a Ribery, Toni, MacKaay, van Bommell, Lucio etc. They have always been the first to raid other German clubs for the best in German talent. They understand the volatile nature of buying foreign player and that is why I was shocked when they signed Toni. I actually felt Ribery would fit in better but Toni also comes fro a country and culture that doesn’t have to many players move abroad. Italians get very homesick and in fact Toni felt like that early in the year. Rumors started that he wanted to go back to Italy. Now those rumors have ended for the time being because of his great season and because he has found a way to fit in and enjoy life in Munich. I don’t expect it to last though. I see him playing one more season before the lure of big bucks leads him to Milan or Inter.
That is also why I suggested to you last week that you consider a post talking about Blatter’s proposal for the 6and 5 rule limiting the number of foreigners to start for every European team. Since then the motion was rejected so the topic is dead but still, the notion remains and it brings further credence to your theory that United should have a larger nucleus of British born talent. I have to say that I agree long term with that but disagree short term. More British talent would guarantee more harmony and more loyalty, that’s for sure. However, and this is a big however, this policy would weaken our ability to compete in Europe. It would also limit our chances of competing against the big 3 in the BPL. Lets face it, we already have a far larger contingent of British players than do the other three challengers to our crown. Does Britain have the quality talent to replace the foreign talent we already have and that we will need to defeat Chelsea, Madrid and Barcelona. I mean we are going up against Team Spain in Liverpool, Team France in Arsenal and Team UN at Chelsea. Team England can best be defined by Aston Villa and they are miles apart from the big 4. I seriously don’t think that going British is the prudent or smart thing to do short term. But where it is the smart thing to do is by signing up every young British prospect that catches our eye. Ramsey was a good signing. We need to find the Richards’ Bale’s, Walcott’s, Agbondalahor’s of the British game before all those other clubs or we need to take the risk and pay the price early on to get them. Our fortunes certainly will not improve if we let the Portuguese contingent eventually sign for Spanish teams and we then replace them with the Frank Lampard’s , Gareth Barry’s and Michael Owen’s of the world. Youth is the key. Unfortunately we will not have Fergie around to manage this transition to a core British side so it is a very risky undertaking if it is done.
This brings me to my final point. A change in player purchasing tactics would mean a major change in managerial and coaching tactics. Again I emphasize the fact that a core British team is probably doomed in Europe. Perhaps the right manager can prevent that from happening. At present the team has been structured in a way to make it easy for for Carlos Queiroz to take over from Fergie. If we went British, then our style would have to change and the necessity to have a manager who was home grown would be highly advisable. We aren’t talking England here. Capello is a major risk that may or may not pan out, United need to find a long term solution and long term direction for the team. All of a sudden the name of Martin O’Neill starts sounding very good to me. Or even Mark Hughes or Roy Keane. And if it won’t be a Brit, then get a manager who is foreign but speaks fluent English and has experience in the British game like a Klinsmann or Advocaat. But stay away from the managers who speak the native tongue but require a large transfer kitty and want foreign based players. the one exception to the rule is Mourinho. Why? Because he demands and get unrequited loyalty from his players. The foreign players as well as the English ones (except maybe Terry) absolutely loved him and would go to war for him. He is a rare commodity. We also need to find foreign players who do not have a blood lust for Spain or Italy. Latin players grow up as boys who dream to play for big clubs in these countries. Go after players in countries that are known for being football factories and who don’t have players who are built with that same lust for the tango. Eastern Europeans, Germans, Northern Europeans, Dutch players have come to England and many have stayed for many years. Schmeichel, Solksjaer, Bergkamp, Riijse, Lehamnn, Hamann are just examples of players who loved playing in England. We need to find those kinds of players. Talent is not enough. Attitude and a desire to play in the England is a must. Go for players whose dream as a child was to play for Manchester United, not Madrid, Barcelona or Milan.
May 16th, 2008 at 18:07
[Grognard]
I forgot about the Blatter 6-5 topic. I’ll put it up over the weekend. And Barcelona is no saintly club. Ask Arsenal when they went tapping up Henry. The Spanish media is split into two: one that caters to Real and the other that caters to Barcelona. They are both loathsome in their transfer dealings.
Problem is, since they do a lot of this through the media, you can’t directly implicate the clubs in question. It’s very underhanded, but that’s how they play the game and sadly we can’t do much about it.
May 16th, 2008 at 18:39
The most important factor for Ronaldo is not his girlfriend, his mother, his dreams or his goals in his career. The most important person here is, ladies and gentlemen, SIR ALEX FERGUSON! He is like a father to Ronaldo, he helped him when no-one else did(read:2006) and he has always been talking highly of Ronaldo, calling him the best player in the world, taking the risk of selling Ruud instead of Ronny in 2006 and making him the player he is today. Ronaldo owes everything to Fergie and I believe, I scream out: I BELIEVE!!, that Ronaldo will not leave until Fergie retires or thinks that it is for the best of the club.
But if he was to leave next summer or something like that, I would not want him to be replaced by someone like Valencia of Wigan or another “cheap”, non-first class player. We would need a top class winger, from the top shelf. My pick would be Ricardo Quaresma. I watch Porto every week, I like the way they play and after what Ive seen of him, I think Quaresma is the best winger in the world, only behind our precious Ronaldo. I love the way he uses the outside of his right boot to cross and shoot. His presision is amazing, he can find a player from his own team 9/10 times when he crosses. A player I admire and cant stop speaking highly enough of, but I love Ronaldo and I want him to stay at least for 1 year. VIVA RONALDO!
May 16th, 2008 at 18:39
RR; You can implicate the clubs for dirty dealing if the quotes come directly from assholes like Calderon. As bad as the Spanish media is, I seriously doubt they would misquote Calderon for fear of his wrath. After all, they are working together in this conspiracy to deprive us of our greatest asset.
As for the 6-5 topic, you certainly don’t have to add it to the topics of the week simply because it was turned down by FIFA’ members. On the other hand, it would be interesting to know how people would feel about something like that taking hold in the European game if FIFA were to get their heads out of their collective asses.
May 16th, 2008 at 18:54
Ronaldo has a very strong bond to Fergie I agree, but nothing and I mean nothing possesses the power to corrupt or seduce like that of a beautiful woman. I speak from experience here. Ronaldo is young and I’m sure he respects and even loves Fergy for what the Gaffer has done for him. But this has little strength versus the charms and seductive qualities of a really quality wench. I loved my parents greatly and they did not want me to leave for Toronto, but the hormones in my body took over and I threw my love for my parents away for a woman. If United wins the final, it will leave little else for Ronaldo to accomplish as a Man Utd player. Perhaps he will stay as long as Fergie does, but I personally feel that what Ronaldo’s girlfriend has to say about this, will be the final word.
Quaresma is woefully inconsistent and he really disappears in big matches against quality opponents. Also, you are the one claiming that we need to move towards more home grown talent. I on the other hand say we should go after talent from regions of the world that don’t owe their allegiance and loyalty to Italy or Spain. Arshavin is every bit as good as Quaresma and he has proven in this year’s UEFA Cup that he is a big game player. Also, we need to radically change the way we play if Ronaldo leaves. His free role will no longer be the catalyst by which we operate by. A more traditional 4-4-2 may be what is needed, which then means it’s time to go out and get a crosser of the ball like Bentley and an old school striker like Huntelaar. Start to deemphasize the Latin and Italian approach to the game that we have adopted. Nani and Anderson will never be Ronaldo so this is a must. This might mean a year or two of hard times but i think we will rebound and I also think it may cause Fergie to stick around a little longer to make sure the job is done right and is finished. This could be a good omen if it means Fergie hangs around longer. I’ll take Fergie over Ronaldo any day of the week.
May 16th, 2008 at 19:34
Well what can I say…It doesn’t suprise me really.I recognise Ronaldo’s talents and I’m in awe of them,but deep down in my heart,I’ve never liked him.He seems the type of player that although confesses love for United,is a back-stabber,he’ll go to Madrid and will fail there,mark my words.It’s the only player that I don’t have printed in my shirts because of this.Shame on him.Go and rot in Madrid,in a club where only merchandizing is top priority!!
May 16th, 2008 at 19:43
Padro; Take it easy friend. I think you are being a little harsh with the lad. Lets wait and see how this plays out before we condemn him to Hades. He may very well not only stay with us but sign a long term contract again. Personally I seriously doubt it but I’d like to stay optimistic. Dumping the girlfriend would be a great start.
Also; I am getting tired of Manchester United becoming Real Madrid’s farm system. Unlike the way we use Sporting Lisbon as our farm system, the Spanish pricks seem to be robbing us of our most prized possessions. In the case of Beckham, Heinze and RVN it was after their best years were past them. But this time it’s grabbing Ronaldo before he has reached his peak. United need to put their foot down and let Madrid know that this cannot and will not be tolerated.
May 16th, 2008 at 19:58
Because of the F’n Rangers Dickheads the Manchester Post CL Final parade is called off
May 16th, 2008 at 19:58
Grognard you old romantic! I had exactly the same thought. If this Spanish girl has her claws in Ronaldo he will leave a lot sooner for Spain. Thank god his girlfriend is only a bit part wannabe model, rather than a pop star
May 16th, 2008 at 20:07
Yeah Pedro, chill out! He has not left us yet, and he is our best player by a mile.
Grognard- I do not know how strong the love for a woman is because I am too young, but congrats to you for finding your beloved. I for myself think that it is too early to say how important the woman will be, because he has only known her for 2 months or so. Hopefully he/she makes the right choice, for Manchester United and for themselves. But why couldnt he just have stayed with Gemma Atkinson?
Even though I agree with most of what you say Grognard, I must disagree with you about Quaresma. He has performed well against big teams this season and he has played in almost the same level as Ronaldo. He is a better crosser then Ronaldo, he got 35 assists this season(!) and that proves how many chances he can create on his own. He is a showboater, maybe too much, but he can improve under the marvellous management that United have. To me, he looks like a combination af Becks and Ronaldinho. His passing is superiour to manu other wingers(Ronaldo, Cole and Messi) and he has more skills than Ronaldo. People might disagree about this but he has. I have seen him do tricks on the field that Ronaldo has never even done in training, I suppose. In him we would even get a player that can take free kicks from 25 yards or more. Owen doesnt seem to have so much power in his shots. He did alright in the CL, was the best player in Portugal this summer and has expressed his feelings about United and English football earlier(January 2007). He said he admired the way United played and he was a fan when he was young. He even rejected a move to Liverpool because of that! Which United fan wouldnt love to have a top class player that joined us after rejecting Liverpool?
I know I am talking about a player that has not been linked with United so often, but I would dream about having him as Ronaldos replacement when he leaves…
May 16th, 2008 at 20:42
RedDevil: Disagree with you (and hence agree with Grog) about Quaresma. While once upon a time, Quaresma looked like he would be a better bet than Ronaldo to become a world-beater, that title is now Ronaldo’s hands down. No question. Quaresma coulnd’t even hack in in Barcelona could he? While Ronaldo has lorded it over all for United in the PL and CL. I am of the opinion that Quaresma has reached his potential as a player, whereas Cristiano is still probably 2 or 3 years away from his peak (hopefully we can hang on to him until then!). So while Quaresma is a good player in his own right, ultimately he’s just a poor man’s Ronaldo in my opinion.
May 16th, 2008 at 20:53
Never really been a fan of Quaresma either, always been hit and miss and increadibly overateted. To be honest I think our replacement for Ronaldo is his same replacement he had at Sporting and thats Nani. He is learning off Ronaldo everyday and when Ronnie does go then hopefully Nani will be ready.
May 16th, 2008 at 20:55
IM getting a bit sick of all this nonsense about Ronaldo. NO ONE is bigger than the club and if he decides to go I personally wont shed a tear.
Yes hes been our best player this year and undoudtedly is a great player but I for one am very dissapointed that 5 days before the final of the Champions League he cant give a straight answer on wether he would be at the club next season.
SAF has indulged this guys ego more than anyone during his managerial term and I honestly believe that SAF should sit him down and explain everything he has got going for him at United which in footballing terms is potentially unlimited and then point out the danger of losing it all in a wrisky but appealing move to Madrid, and if Ronaldo cant look him in the eye and say I want to stay at this club then SAF should drop him from the squad immediately and sell him to Madrid for no less than 100 euros.
No matter if it harms our team or not there are principles at stake here and I for one dont want him at OT while he is pimping himself out to the ultimate no principled circus of Real Madrid. HE owes it to SAF, he owes to the supporters, he owes it to his fellow players to pin his colours fully to the mast so that we can see wether he truly loves our club or if he only loves himself.
I wont name any players but there are many at our club at present who are United to the core and many have been criticized on this site, by myself included but Ronaldo gets protected because of his performances, its a disgrace.
May 16th, 2008 at 20:57
If a deal is to go through, then it should be Robinho/Sergio Ramos + 100m
anything short of that and it falls through
WTF IS REAL MADRID’S PROBLEM
they need to start getting their own players instead of buying them from other top clubs
May 16th, 2008 at 21:14
After reading the multitude of comments, I can only say two things:
-If we sell Ronaldo to Real, Robinho has to be part of the deal
-English women are much, much, much better looking than Spanish women
May 16th, 2008 at 21:24
LOL ANDREI!
May 16th, 2008 at 21:32
Well said Fred The Red. No one is bigger than United, and SAF has proven it time and again in the past (Ince, Kanchelskis, Hughes, Stam, Beckham, Van Nistelrooy and many more).
May 16th, 2008 at 21:57
thats right james f, its not Ronaldo United ,its Manchester United and it was a brilliant club before he signed and will still be brilliant after he is gone and one thing im certain about, United might not be perfect but theyve got 100 times more class than Real Madrid, I would even go as far as to say that the Scousers have more class than Madrid.
These foriegn boys just dont understand the privelige it is to play for United
May 16th, 2008 at 22:58
Colver; My girl was a wannabe model/actress and she bloody well ruined my life. It’s the frakken dreamers with delusions of grandeur that one has to be afraid of. I think she has her claws deeply embedded in Ronny’s heart and I think we can kiss him goodbye. Women are evil but they often look nice, feel nice and smell nice. A triple threat that’s hard to resist. Besides the boy is hot blooded Portuguese.
RedDevil; Unfortunately my story was both happy and sad. I had a great adventure with the girl and she was the love of my life but after ten years together the itch to make it big in film was too strong and I lost her to the Boulevard of Broken Dreams in Hollywood. She ended up being a bust despite having some talent and a gorgeous face and ended up marrying an American so that she could stay there. Basically ruined my life and 12 years later I am still not over her. We did have ten great years though. All I can say to Ronaldo is she better be damn well worth it because he is throwing his career in to the scrap heap by wanting to go to Madrid for her benefit. When things don’t work out well with either the girl or with Real he will regret the happiness, respect and love he received from all Manchester United fans both in Manchester and around the world. I just pray it doesn’t come to this. I wouldn’t begrudge him a move in 3 to 5 years but not yet. He owes the best years of his career to United and Ferguson because he was the one who believed in him, nurtured him and made him into the player he is today. I doubt very much if he gets that kind of love from Bernd Schuster.
Regarding Quaresma, I am not opposed to him although he has a history of not showing up when it counts. Remember, the Portuguese league is not the CL or the BPL. In fact he would probably be a good signing because he failed at Barcelona and Real or other Spanish sides haven’t shown a great desire to get him either. Come to think of it, his name never comes with Italian sides either. Do they all know something we don’t? I wonder. Still, this lack of interest may make him more willing to come to United and stay for a while. Problem is as soon as he does well for us, Real and Barca will come knocking again. The Spanish are corporate sluts of the highest order. Anyway, you feel about Quaresma the way I do about Riquelme. The problem is that neither of them ever seem to be on Fegie’s want list. I for one would love to see Quaresma show up with Ronaldo still here. We need a play maker and consistent crosser of the ball. And if he is a lifelong fan of United, then that seems to me to be a no brainer.
May 16th, 2008 at 22:59
If you guys think Quaresma is overrated, what about Robinho? He must be one of the most overrated players in football history. One nice trick and suddenly he is a replacement for Ronny. No, Robinho is not the answer. Maybe another young british one…Eagles anyone?
May 16th, 2008 at 23:31