Source: Telegraph
Glazer family promise to spend Ronaldo money on new players for United
United manager Ferguson is set to invest £17 million in Wigan's Ecuadorean winger, Antonio Valencia, once Ronaldo's transfer to Real Madrid is finalised later this month.[LNB]And plans to pursue Bayern Munich's £50 million-rated winger Franck Ribery and Lyon's £25 million forward Karim Benzema remain on Ferguson's agenda, despite warnings from both clubs that United face a battle to secure the players' services.[LNB] Related ArticlesEnglish clubs taxedBlatter defends Ronaldo dealKaka 'rejoices' at Ronaldo signingWho can fill Ronaldo's boots?'World's greatest league?'Ronaldo: career in picturesWhile the decision to sell Ronaldo for a world-record fee has been supported by the majority of United's fanbase, some have questioned whether the money will be reinvested in the team.[LNB]The Manchester United Supporters Trust issued a statement following Ronaldo's sale on Thursday urging the Glazers to "make a statement of intent that ALL incoming transfer funds will be made available to Sir Alex Ferguson".[LNB]Having given Ferguson the final say on the Ronaldo transfer, however, the Florida-based Glazers have now made a rare public statement by insisting that they will continue to fully back the manager in the transfer market.[LNB]A spokesman for the Glazers said: "Only the paranoia of some supporters would lead you to believe the owners are not going to continue investing in the team.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"The fact is that Cristiano Ronaldo decided, after six years, that it was time to move on and the manager said OK.[LNB]"The idea that Manchester United are motivated by a debt burden is just not true. It is not an issue."[LNB]Ferguson, who is on holiday in France, is hopeful of a quick conclusion to the Valencia deal and Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has admitted that he expects United to sign the player within two weeks.[LNB]Whelan said: "Things will develop over the next seven to 14 days. Sir Alex makes his moves when he is ready and he is interested in Antonio. United have been in touch with me and negotiations will be opening very shortly, I am sure."[LNB]The prospects of swift moves for Ribery and Benzema appear to be receding, however.[LNB]Ribery is understood to prefer a move to Spain, where both Real and Barcelona are keen to complete a deal for him, and Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness has admitted that only a "crazy" offer would prompt the Germans to sell.[LNB]Hoeness said: "We would only talk on very strict conditions and that would be if they were prepared to do crazy things."[LNB]Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas admitted last week that the French club could be forced to sell the 21 year-old on receipt of a substantial bid, but Aulas has now suggested that no sale will be considered until after next year's World Cup. The player himself has displayed little ambition for a move to England.[LNB]Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, began discussions with Real on Friday over the player's proposed move to the Bernabeu, a move welcomed by Kaka, who signed a £56 million deal at Real on Monday. "I rejoice in the signing of Cristiano. There's no doubt that he is one of the best players in the world and he will help Real Madrid fight for every title next season."[LNB][LNB]
