Cristiano Ronaldo’s new contract: Let the talks commence
November 12, 2008
The representative of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jorge Mendes, raised the prospect of a new contract for the player with senior officials from Old Trafford on Monday. United managed to fend off intense interest from Real Madrid this year with many believing Ronaldo agreed to stay for one more year before being allowed to move on.
The opening of talks indicates that Ronaldo has certainly not drawn a line under his United career and is at least considering the possibility of spending the best part of it at Old Trafford. It is believed Mendes discussed the broad outline of plans to extend Ronaldo’s deal should he reject the future advances of Real Madrid.
Both Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill have admitted that next summer’s activities will be key in securing the long term future of Ronaldo and both will be extremely keen on the winger signing a new deal at the club; the sooner the better. Ronaldo is currently 18 months through a five year deal which means by the end of the 2009/10 campaign, he will be able to evoke FIFA’s article 17 (“the Webster ruling”) and buy out the final two years of his contract for somewhere in the region of £12 million. In essence, next summer really is crunch time. United cannot allow themselves to be in a position of losing the Portuguesa for only £12 million, so unless a new contract is agreed, it is very probable that the English and European champions would be prepared to do business over his future next summer.
Despite the potential risk, Alex Ferguson remains confident no such deal will happen. He said:
“Next summer will be a key element of his [Ronaldo's] contract situation because he will have three years left then.
“That’s comfortable enough because I think the big clubs will shy away from that [Webster ruling] because it could happen to them. I don’t think it will be an issue.”
I would like to share Sir Alex’s confidence but to dismiss any tactic by Real Madrid in the pursuit of Ronaldo would be naïve. If it takes article 17 to sign Ronaldo, Real Madrid will do it, and they won’t even hesitate.
Tomasz Kuszczak extends contract until 2012
September 15, 2008
Tomasz Kuszczak put pen to paper on a 2 year contact extension with the Polish goalkeeper now signed up at Manchester United until June 2012.
Kuszczak made his debut for United in a 1 – 0 defeat to Arsenal in September 2006 and has since notched up 29 appearances for the club. With Van der Sar’s playing days coming to an end the 26 year old will be hoping for plenty more games in the coming seasons.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Kuszczak said: “For the club to offer me an extension when I still have two years left shows the trust and support that I have from the club and Sir Alex. I’m so happy as I have had a great time so far here, but there is still so much for me to prove and I want to continue working hard to ensure my position within this great team.”
A commitment contract - from United to Ronaldo
July 2, 2008
It seems Manchester United are preparing for a u-turn. Since ruling out a new contract for Ronaldo only a few weeks ago, new reports suggest the club is preparing a new contract to improve upon Ronaldo’s already huge £120,000 plus a week salary in a bid to finally end the Ronaldo Madrid saga.
Ronaldo’s current deal runs for another 4 years and it is believed the new contract will extend the Portuguesa’s stay at United until 2014; sending out a clear sign of the winger’s commitment to United.
Ferguson has recently commented that he believes Ronaldo will be in a red shirt next season and a United insider today added: “Manchester United are now sure he will stay” Let’s hope he’s right.
Evra signs on for another 4 years
June 12, 2008
Patrice Evra finally penned a new contract at Manchester United today tying the in-form left back to the club until 2012.
Patrice Evra had only 12 months left on his current deal which meant the French International would soon be free to talk to other clubs with a view to moving on a free. United were keen to ensure this didn’t happen and tie one of our key players to a long term contract.
Evra joined us back in January 2006 for what has turned out to be a bargain at just £4 million. After a slow start, he firmly established himself as first choice left back, ousting Gabrielle Heinze who eventually moved to Real Madrid to accommodate Evra.
The signing will dispel any rumours of Evra leaving for Italy thankfully. “The last two-and-a-half seasons have been the start of a dream for me,” he said. “It is a pleasure and an honour to be part of this fantastic side and to be coached by Sir Alex Ferguson and his staff.”
