Premier League - Fergie can spend Ron cash

Eurosport - Sat, 13 Jun 09:24:00 2009

Sir Alex Ferguson will decide how much of Cristiano Ronaldo's £80 million transfer fee he wants to spend according to the Glazer family.

FOOTBALL Cristiano Ronaldo with Manchester UNited manager Sir Alex Ferguson - 0

In the wake of United's confirmation that a bid from Real Madrid for the Ballon D'Or winner had been accepted, supporters questioned how much of the cash Ferguson would get to spend given the Old Trafford outfit's £650million debt mountain.

While there is a general understanding of why the question is being asked, the Glazer family point to their record of backing Ferguson in the transfer market throughout the four years since their controversial takeover.

They insist that policy has not changed despite the ongoing credit crunch.

So, while they refuse to put a figure on the funds Ferguson might wish to spend, within reason the Scot will get what he wants.

"The idea Manchester United are motivated by a debt burden is just not true," said a Glazer spokesman. "It is not an issue.

"The fact is Cristiano Ronaldo decided, after six years, it was time to move on and the manager said okay.

"Sir Alex Ferguson is in total control of his squad. He is empowered to make whatever decisions he thinks are in the best interests of Manchester United. That continues to be the case."

It means Ferguson is behind the concrete approach for Wigan's Antonio Valencia which Latics chairman Dave Whelan is expecting within the next fortnight, and he will be the one who decides if United should make Bayern Munich a "crazy" offer for Franck Ribery and the level they should ultimately go to.

Ferguson has been tracking Valencia for several months and Whelan admitted the Premier League champions had made an initial offer.

A deal for Valencia, who is valued at around £16 million, would mark the start of Ferguson's attempt to revitalise his squad.

"They (United) have been in touch with us and we will be starting negotiations very shortly, I would imagine," Whelan told Sky Sports News.

"United have been in touch with us over Antonio for the last two or three months, expressing an interest and actually putting cash offers on the table.

"Those things have got to be picked up now. I think they were waiting to see if Ronaldo actually went to Real, which has happened. Things will develop over the next seven to 14 days.

"Sir Alex had him watched practically every, single match last year. He has got a very strong interest in him. We are just sat on the fence now.

"We are not desperate to sell Antonio, I'm telling you. If I can keep that lad, I'm going to keep him. He is one brilliant player.

"So there is no pressure on me, or our football club to sell him. If Man United don't want to make a (written) offer, I'll be delighted and we will have him in our team next season."

United are not completely immune from the credit crunch, given corporate seats will be difficult to shift in their entirety in the coming season, even though the Red Devils are bidding for an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title.

However, the impact on Ferguson will be negligible.

"Only the paranoia of some supporters would lead you to believe the owners are not going to continue investing in the team," added the spokesman.

"A substantial number of world-class players have been brought to the club in the past few years and that will still be the case."

Indeed, given confirmation US finance giant Aon are to become new shirt sponsors in 2010, a positive spin on the past two weeks would emphasise the removal of two areas of uncertainty, allowing the club to focus on what lies ahead free from the spectre of future problems.

"Two big issues have now been removed which, in its own way, is good for everyone," the Glazer spokesman added.

PA Sport

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  1. its good to see mr scrooge go to real madrid. now­ united must see that they a more humble person, like,­ lets say aaron lennon of tottenham. he is fast and more­ reliable.

    From Fredu, on Sat 13 Jun 6:23PM

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    From bryjones71, on Sat 13 Jun 5:34PM

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    From haidar.javed, on Sat 13 Jun 5:01PM

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    From trebe, on Sat 13 Jun 4:25PM

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    From haidar.javed, on Sat 13 Jun 4:20PM

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  12. Roma striker Mirko Vucinic insists he wants to remain­­ at the Stadio Olimpico despite reported interest from­­ Manchester United.

    Reports coming out of Spain­­ suggest that Real Madrid (yes, them again) have all­ but­ wrapped up the signing of Valencia striker David­ Villa­ for 40m euros.

    Hahaha so much for big players­ signing­ who is Vucinci, do you think Madrid will give­ 80 mill­ in 1 go I dont prob about30mill and the rest­ over 2-3­ years, you wont attract big player with the­ better tax­ rate for high earners in Spain fact. U­ think u can sign 3 world class players lmfao lets see­ who u lot get in the next few weeks MUGS just sold your­ best player to that MOB hahahahahahahahahah­
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    From Don, on Sat 13 Jun 2:00PM

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    From Angelos, on Sat 13 Jun 1:50PM

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    From bryjones71, on Sat 13 Jun 1:47PM

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    From bryjones71, on Sat 13 Jun 1:46PM

  17. TO The racist wan- ker who has faked my ID (Take no­ noticeof him)

    Racists like the froudsterr who has­ taken my ID are nothing but scum

    From bryjones71, on Sat 13 Jun 1:38PM

  18. TO The racist wan- ker who has faked my ID (Take no­ noticeof him)

    Racists like the froudsterr who has­ taken my ID are nothing but scum

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    From trebe, on Sat 13 Jun 1:37PM
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