The Spanish La Liga giants look set to have prised the Portuguese superstar away from Old Trafford after putting in a world record shattering £80 million bid for the 23-year-old.
Real Madrid's bid for Ronaldo came just days after they successfully secured Brazilian star Kaka in a reported £56 million world record deal from Italian maestros AC Milan.
That the Spaniards were able to make two world record shattering deal in a matter of days demonstrates the gulf in financial terms between Real and Manchester United – arguably the biggest football brand on the planet.
Debt not Reason for Ronaldo Sale Claim United
Despite debts despite believed to total a staggering £700 million, Manchester United chiefs are insisting that the decision to sell Ronaldo was made by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Representatives of the Glazers, who own Manchester United, insist that the proposed sale has nothing to do with the debt burden and that Ferguson still had control on who stays and who leaves Old Trafford.
They also confirmed that cash would be available for Ferguson to strengthen the squad during the summer, but just how much of the £80 million to be realised from the sale of Ronaldo will be given to the United manager remains uncertain.
Mixed Reaction from Fans
Manchester United are by far the best supported side in the English Premier League. They attract fans from not only from all parts of the British Isles, but also from all four corners of the globe. But despite Ronaldo having played a major role in United winning the Premier League title in each of the past three seasons, their reaction to the Portuguese stars impending departure has been mixed.
While some are despondent at the prospect of Ronaldo leaving, many have adopted the line “If he doesn't want to be here, we don't need him.”
One thing that should not cause too much surprise is that Real Madrid finally got their man, despite Ronaldo's recent protestations that his future lay at Old Trafford..
Real Madrid had been targeting their man for over a year. Speculation that Ronaldo might be heading for Spain emerged last summer and United reported Real to the European governing body UEFA following their approach.
There had been speculation that Ronaldo might be forced to leave Old Trafford following the 2006 World Cup. In the showdown between Portugal and England, which saw the English eliminated. Ronaldo had been seen to be barely concealing his delight when Manchester United team mate Wayne Rooney was sent off.
