Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Glazers back Ronaldo stance

25 Jul 2008 - 08:27:11

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Manchester United chief executive David Gill has confirmed that the club's owners, the Glazer family, are right behind the decision to keep Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old Portugal ace has set his heart on joining Real Madrid this summer, but United are refusing to entertain thoughts of allowing Ronaldo to move on just yet.

Gill said: "We saw the owners at the Champions League final and the speculation was already present then. It was a short, quick conversation.

"Under the PLC regime, we would not have had to sell him, but we would have had to be more public.

"We would have had to consult major shareholders a lot more. Ultimately it would have been a more public situation.

"As it is we have had one phone call, one chat in Moscow and the decision was made, full stop."

Meanwhile, Gill has also confirmed that the Glazers do not get involved in the process of recruiting new players, with manger Sir Alex Ferguson always having the final say.

He added: "They have never said buy that player or do not buy that player.

"They have been very supportive of Alex and his team when they have identified a player they want, but they have never questioned his ability or decisions."