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.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be here next year, he thinks
October 26, 2008
If you thought Ronaldo was heading to Madrid next summer, you weren’t the only one. But it appears we were wrong. Ronaldo has today said that he sees himself playing at Old Trafford in the 2009/10 season. Bear in mind this is Cristiano Ronaldo’s answer so it’s a close to a ‘yes’ as you’re going to get:
“Only God knows the future. I insist that I am a Manchester United player and now I think that next year I will continue here.”
Ronaldo reserved special praise for Sir Alex Ferguson, highlighting the importance of the manager in his decision to stay with the Champions and continue at Old Trafford:
“He has been a key person. I respect him a lot, because it was him who signed me and he has played a very important part in all that I have won. In Lisbon I reached an agreement with him and it was decided that the best thing for all was to continue. He listened to my arguments and I listened to his. Now I understand that it was the correct decision. I am with Manchester United body and soul.”
Another master stroke by Sir Alex then; the man really is a legend. It will be a sad day when Ferguson does retire, which from what he said at the beginning of the season will be one, perhaps two more campaigns after the current one.
Which does leave one lingering thought. I always believed the hardest job United had to face in the coming years was replacing the manager. Now I think the hardest job will be replacing both manager and Ronaldo at the same time.
4 Reds nominated for 2008 European Footballer of the Year award
October 20, 2008
The 2008 European Footballer of the Year award nominees were announced last night with United having four players nominated; Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Edwin van der Sar.
Other Premier League club’s with players nominated are predictably Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool but none have as many nominations as United. Chelsea have three players up for the award; Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba whilst Liverpool and Arsenal have two nominees each in Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, and Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor respectively. The only club with more is Real Madrid with 5 but one of them, Rafael van der Vaart, earned his nomination whilst playing for Hamburg.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a big favourite to lift the prestigious Ballon d’Or award with the chances of any of the other Reds scooping the prize being slim (if you’re Wayne Rooney) to non-existent (for Vidic and Van der Sar - sorry). Simply being nominated is a big achievement and as pointed out by Gemma Thompson over at manutd.com, where on earth is Ferdie’s nomination? He had a fantastic season for us last year and his consistency over the last couple of years has been spot on.
I know I may be biased but I seriously can’t see past Ronaldo for the award. Messi might run him close but overall, there was noone doing what he was doing last year, he really was in a class of his own.
The full list of nominations
Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal), Togo
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Spain
Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Argentina
Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Argentina
Samuel Eto’o (Barcelona), Cameroon
Xavi (Barcelona), Spain
Luca Toni (Bayern Munich), Italy
Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), France
Michael Ballack (Chelsea), Germany
Frank Lampard (Chelsea), England
Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Ivory Coast
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan), Sweden
Youri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow), Russia
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Italy
Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Spain
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), England
Karim Benzema (Lyon), France
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Portugal
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), England
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Serbia
Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United), Netherlands
Kaka (Milan AC), Brazil
Pepe (Real Madrid), Portugal
Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid), Netherland
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Spain
Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid), Netherlands
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Spain
David Villa (Valence CF), Spain
Marcos Senna (Villarreal), Spain
Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg), Russia
Ronaldo explains summer fling with Real. Can we please move on now?
September 5, 2008
As Cristiano Ronaldo moves ever closer to returning to action for Manchester United, the winger has moved once again to bridge the gap between the fans and himself caused by the summer transfer speculation surrounding Real Madrid and his future.
After openly admitting he wanted to play for the Spanish giants, Ronaldo now faces United’s fans and assures them he will give his all for the team. In what appears to be a republished interview in Inside United magazine, Ronaldo tries to explain why he behaved in the manner he did.
“After we’d won the Champions League I felt that I’d help win everything there was to win, I felt maybe I needed a new challenge.
“I never hid the fact that I wanted to play in Spain, at Real Madrid in particular, and I thought it could be the right moment.
“Apart from the challenge, everyone realises that Spanish and Portuguese culture and lifestyle are more similar. I also have to recognise that my family would welcome the change,”
“The chance of being an hour’s flight from my family was very attractive. The people at United, particularly the manager, understood my reasons.
“What I said publicly, which was maybe a little naive, I take total responsibility for. I just said what I thought: I have a dream of playing at Real and I thought it was time to move on.
“I knew Real were interested in me and they had, allegedly, made a substantial offer. For a while, I wanted United to accept. If we hadn’t been European champions, I probably wouldn’t have thought about going to Madrid. And another thing - I never wanted to leave against United’s will.
“I’m 100 per cent professional and have always given my heart and soul to this club. If one day I leave, I want to do it knowing I did everything I could to help the club win as much as possible.”
There is little room for doubt regarding the winger’s commitment and desire to win. No matter what team he plays for, winning is priority number one and given the player’s efforts to recover from an ankle operation way ahead of schedule, I would say he is raring to go and give his all this season.
If the last transfer window showed us anything it is that players have their futures in their hands. Real Madrid wanted to keep hold of Robinho but the player publicly stated his intention to leave (at every opportunity) and pushed through a deadline day transfer to Manchester City. Robinho even went so far as to say he would strike if he didn’t get what he wanted. Dimitar Berbatov’s behaviour towards Spurs was anything but respectful. He was unavailable for Spurs’ opening games of the season because his “head was not right” and was criticised by practically all of his teammates as he sulked about White Hart Lane trying to get a move to United. Let’s not forget Emmanuel Adebayor’s commendable effort to get a bumper pay rise from Arsenal with the threat of moving abroad.
In modern football, this sort of behaviour is becoming “the norm” and by these standards, Ronaldo is almost a saint. He never insulted the club or the staff, he didn’t demand anything from the club nor did he hand in a transfer request. What he did do, was to have his head turned by the money and glamour of playing for the team he has dreamed about playing for since he was a young boy. At least he is honest. Surely that’s not the worst crime to commit?
Manchester City line up £136 million deal for Cristiano Ronaldo – Cha-ching!
September 3, 2008
As we saw with Manchester City’s last ditch attempt to sign Dimitar Berbatov; competition drives up prices. As soon as Tottenham had another solid bid for Berbatov, any bargaining power United had was lost and we were effectively held to ransom over the fee. So it is not all bad news when Manchester City and their new billionaire owners declare they are prepared to pay a staggering $240 (£136) million for Cristiano Ronaldo. Will Manchester United ever sell their star player to Manchester City? Of course they won’t; but having interested clubs who are prepared to pay the big money will only raise the player’s value for his eventual move to Spain.
As much as I hate to admit our superstar winger will one day be plying his trade somewhere else, the reality of the matter is he probably will and it will probably be in the next season or two. We all know of Real Madrid’s admiration for the player and it is almost certain they will renew their interest come next summer. Ronaldo desperately wants to play in Spain one day and it is his dream to pull on the white shirt of Madrid so a deal at some point in the future looks likely. This is where City’s bid will help us bend Madrid over a barrel. If you want him, you better pay the going rate.
Let’s pretend for a minute that a bid from Manchester City of £136 million for a player who cost just £12 million appeals to the Glazers and in an attempt to balance the books, the bid is accepted. Do you think Ronaldo would fancy a move to Eastlands? City cannot offer the player Champions League football and despite ambitions of a top four finish this term, I very much doubt they will be able to offer Champions League football next season (and probably not the season after that either).
One of Ronaldo’s biggest reasons for wanting to play in Spain is the ease at which he could visit family and friends in Portugal. Something a move across town would do nothing to aide. Something that may appeal to the winger would be the bumper wages on offer. Early media reports already suggest Ronaldo could be offered anything up to £300,000 a week to make the switch but I am still hoping Ronaldo will make decisions for footballing reasons and will not be swayed by money. I mean, he’s already on £120,000 a week; how much more can he need?
Ronaldo himself has stated his future decisions are not affected by money and has, on numerous occasions, declared his love for Manchester United. Even though the lad wants to be allowed to follow his dreams to Spain, Manchester United will always be a club close to his heart and for that reason alone a move to City is more than unlikely; it’s impossible.
Cristiano Ronaldo hoping to be fit by the end of September
September 1, 2008
Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping he will be able to report for first team action before the end of September ahead of initial forecasts which had the winger ruled out until late October or even possibly November.
Ronaldo underwent ankle surgery in July and he has been told he can step up his rehabilitation after progressing better than expected.
“I am feeling fine – I am feeling really good and my recovery is going well,” Ronaldo said. “I am more than happy with my progress and I hope to be back playing for United by the end of September – that is my target and it is a realistic one. It has been frustrating to miss the start of the Premier League season but I am pleased with my rehabilitation and, hopefully, I’ll be ready soon.”
Alex Ferguson will be delighted with the progress Ronaldo is making and will be desperate to be able to call upon the Portuguesa again; who netted 42 times last season. United’s start to the season has been slow to say the least and they are clearly missing the speed and penetration Ronaldo brings to the team. It is still possible Berbatov will be joining United yet but having Ronaldo back in the team will be better than any signing Ferguson can make.
UEFA Club Football of the Year nominees 2007/08 sees 6 reds up for award
August 23, 2008
The nominees for UEFA’s club footballer of the year were announced yesterday and the Red’s lead the way with a total of 6 players nominated. The strength of the premier league is demonstrated with 17 of the 20 nominees playing their football in England. United have nominees in each category (goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forwards) and our prediction is that United players will take 3 out of the 4 awards on offer.
Edwin van der Sar is nominated for the best goalkeeper award alongside Manuel Almunia of Arsenal, Petr Cech of Chelsea, Manuel Neuer of FC Shalke and Pepe Reina of Liverpool. There is no way Van der Sar is not going to win this one; he was instrumental in our domestic success and it was his penalty save in the Champions League final which won us the trophy. One down.
Wrong: Petr Cech won it again.
Both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have been shortlisted for the club defender of the year award alongside Jamie Carragher of Liverpool, Carles Puyol of Barcelona and John Terry of Chelsea. Vidic has had an outstanding season but Rio is sure to take this one. His displays last season were nothing short of immense and he has silenced any critics who thought he was overrated with dominant displays at the back. It used to be said that Rio was a great player on his day. After last season’s performances, I think it’s safe to say every day is his day. 2 out of 2.
Wrong: 0 for 2. John Terry won. Did they miss that penalty? Robbed.
The only United player to be nominated in midfield is Paul Scholes and I just don’t see him winning this one. His goal against Barcelona was a truly memorable moment but will it be enough to secure him the title of UEFA’s best midfielder of the year? Scholes is up against Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal, Michael Essien and Frank Lampard of Chelsea and Steven Gerrard of Liverpool. I think Fabregas’ performance against AC Milan in the competition may be enough to win him this one.
Wrong: Frank Lampard won this and that’s 0 for 3 in my predictions.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney will do battle for the best forward of the year along with Lionel Messi of Barcelona, Didier Drogba of Chelsea and Fernando Torres of Liverpool. It is surely not even worth considering anyone for this award other than the Portuguese trickster Ronaldo. He finished the competition’s top scorer with 8 goals, more than both Torres and Drogba who came in a close second with 6 each and double the 4 goals Rooney managed. Drogba finished the season’s top fouler with 37 offences and his red card against United in the final will surely rule him out of the award. Torres also clocked up a fair number of fouls committing an average of one foul every 35 minutes. Torres did have a good debut season but Ronaldo was out of this world. Another award for the forwards cabinet.
Correct: Well done Cristiano Ronaldo. This was a no brainer….
You can see more information on last season’s Champions League in our top performers list comiled at the end of the 07/08 campaign.
If Tevez really wants to stay, he should keep it buttoned!
July 24, 2008
Carlos tevez has repeatedly stated his desire to stay at united and secure himself a long term contract. The Argentine International is one year through a complicated two year loan deal at United and one thing he shouldn’t be doing if he wants to stay, is publicly going against the boss.
Alex Ferguson is adamant that Ronaldo will not be sold and that the player must honour his contract. I wonder how Fergie will feel when he picks up the paper to find that Tevez has spoken to sports magazine AS and backed Ronaldo’s move to Spain?
“The team has great players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, of course,” Tevez said.
“It’s clear that he is a very important player for us, but this is a personal decision, which is up to only him.
“I understand Cristiano. Every footballer wants to play at Real Madrid. On the other hand, I also think that everyone wants to play for Manchester United, but if what he seeks is something else, I think that should be respected”.
If history shows us anything, it’s that at Manchester United, the quickest way to end your career is falling out with the gaffer! Perhaps he wants a summer move to Real himself?
Why the Manchester United Boo Boys need to stop
July 17, 2008
When Cristiano Ronaldo left for the Euros this summer, the red side of Manchester branded him a hero. He had played a crucial role in bringing the Premiership crown back to Old Trafford and it was his goal that ultimately won us the Champions League.
Fast forward two months and the same fans that had chanted and cheered his name are now booing and calling for him to be sold. Why? Because he has a dream and ambitions to fulfil his dreams. Granted, his handling of this summer’s saga has been far from perfect and it is impossible not to feel some ill feeling towards the record breaking winger, but before you don your “Ronaldo Out” flag and burn your number 7 shirt, ask yourself, do I really want Ronaldo to go? I mean really?
Do you have a dream, perhaps you would like to own a Ferrari, date Angelina Jolie or play for Manchester United. If Honda gave you a Civic, would you turn down a Ferrari? How about knocking back Angelina Jolie for a bird off Eastenders? Or what about, Manchester United come knocking, but you play somewhere else, would YOU follow your dream? I know I would.
Of course if Manchester United were a car it would be no Honda Civic and if it were a woman, no TV actress from the east end ; but you can see my point.
If Ronaldo stays at Old Trafford, we must celebrate the success of the staff at United for holding on to what is undoubtedly our most skilful player. If Fergie and the rest of the backroom team can call upon Ronaldo in the upcoming season, there is no doubt United will be a far better team for it.
As it stands, it is looking increasingly likely that Ronaldo will leave and with the United fans getting on his back, the chances of him leaving are getting higher and higher. Would you want to stay somewhere you were not wanted?
If we want Ronaldo to stay, which we do, we should show it. As much as you may want Ronaldo to bleed red, he doesn’t. He isn’t a Manc; he isn’t a Red Devil; he isn’t even English. He will never feel the passion for our club that many of us do and we mustn’t punish him for that. Instead of vilifying him for his love of Spanish football, we should be encouraging him to stay, showing what he will lose by going and giving him a taster of what he can expect should he continue his Old Trafford career.
Are the Glazers ready to do business over Ronaldo?
July 17, 2008
Spanish newspaper Marca had their big wooden spoon out again today claiming that United are finally ready to sit down with Real Madrid and thrash out a transfer deal for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Spanish sports paper claim the Glazers have “agreed to the operation” for fear Ronaldo’s value will decrease rapidly should he stay with the Red Devils. This is all apparently from sources close to the affair although a spokesman for the Glazers dimissed the reports as “complete nonsense”.
It is believed Real Madrid will offer around £67 million for the Winger and with the player wanting out and no other big money offers on the table, reports are beginning to suggest a move to Madrid is getting closer. That said, it is worth bearing in mind that newspapers in Spain, Marca in particular, have regularly reported that a deal will be done for the Portuguese International. They are desperate for it.
Yesterday, Wesley Sneijder told of concerns from within the Real dressing room regarding the financial package Ronaldo may be offered:
“It would be bad for the squad if one player had a much higher salary than the rest. It would not matter to me, but I know that there are other players that would not like that.”
But it isn’t just about the money; Sneijder believes Real Madrid have an equal for Ronaldo already and any signing would be surplus to requirements.
“I want Robinho to stay with Madrid because I think that he is almost the same as Cristiano Ronaldo. I do not think that Madrid need to sign anyone. In the final games of last season we were very solid and the team showed it has grown a lot. Maybe the only thing we do need is to sign a forward”
