Manchester United Accept World Record Fee For Cristiano Ronaldo

Charlie Klein

Real Madrid have finally got their man. Two years of what can certainly be labeled as an unhealthy pursuit have come to an end. Manchester United have accepted an 80 million pound bid from Real Madrid for the rights to Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. The sale became inevitable once the player asked the club yet again to leave. Madrid's offer, if it is to be believed, will smash the world record of Zinedine Zidane (73.5 million euros) when he was bought by Madrid from Juventus in 2001.

Manchester United released the following statment on their official website. "At the request of Cristiano - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player. Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice."

Real Madrid confirmed that statment. "Real Madrid confirm they have made an offer to Manchester United for the acquisition of the rights of the player Cristiano Ronaldo."

While many may be dancing in the streets in Madrid, and rightfully so, there are surely many of the opposite disposition around the Greater Manchester area this afternoon. Ronaldo helped forge a new dynasty for United in the Premier League, starring in three campaigns which led to league titles by United. He also helped the club win its third European Cup in 2008. That being said, Ronaldo has been rather public about his dislike of the manager's tactics in the 2009 Champions League Final, which United lost to a dominant Barcelona.

One thing with which all United fans are familiar is Sir Alex Ferguson's dislike of players who challenge his rule. For some United fans this unfortunate event will have brought on a sense of deja vu. In 2003 Real Madrid came calling for David Beckham, who at that point was thought to be one of the greatest players in the world. He too had helped United to six Premier League titles and one European Championship. People wondered what would happen to United after he left. What would they ever do without David? These past few seasons have been a strong answer to that question. One player does not make a club.

For Real Madrid supporters, this past week must have the feeling of utter delight. Having already signed Brazilian ace Kaka, they can now add yet another fantastic offensive player to their ranks. Do those two signing guarantee them a La Liga title next season? No. Real have yet to add to their backline and until whoever they sign can prove they can defend their own keep, then it is useless to sign a player like Ronaldo. Real fans will get frustrated with him at times because of his penchant of remaining for the most part in the offensive half of the pitch, never tracking the opposing team's wingers or wing backs.

There are many answers for how to use the new money United will receive from Madrid. They could certainly use part of it to help pay off the massive debt the club currently possesses. Most likely though, it will certainly be used to improve the squad. Now we will really know the value of Carlos Tevez to United, as they can now afford to sign the player should they wish. Names on the tongues of United fans this afternoon are surely those such as Franck Ribery, David Silva, Karim Benzema, and Luis Antonio Valencia. It will be interesting to see what Sir Alex can do with the 80 million. Remember how I said Ribery was staying at Bayern? Well this could change everything.