EPL, Premiership, English Premier League

I’m not sure why anybody would think for a moment that Cristiano Ronaldo would leave Manchester United; nor do I understand why anyone would think why United would let Ronaldo go. But, I might as well address the idiotic rumors that have been circulating.

“He’s got four more years (on his contract) until 2012, he’s been with us for five years and we’re sure he’ll be with us for many years to come. He’s clearly one of the best players in the world and he’s at a great club, winning trophies. He enjoys it immensely here, you can tell that when you speak to him privately. Why would he want to leave? We have no intention of letting him go, we will make sure that he’s very happy here, as we do with all our top players. Manchester United is not a club that sells its main assets. In order to service our debts we need a very successful team on the pitch, and you don’t achieve that by selling Cristiano Ronaldo.” said Manchester United Chief Executive David Gill.

United currently has a debt of €764 million to various banks. There are provisions in Uefa licences that deal with clubs being able to meet their obligations, you have to give forward-looking accounts for coming years to show you can meet them, which is quite right,” he said. “Look at the debt in isolation and, yes, it’s a concern, but look at our income generation. Our revenue is well over £200m. Banks wouldn’t loan those sums unless they were fairly confident they’d get their money back and if we didn’t have a business plan which showed they’d get it back. In Manchester United, we have one of the best clubs in the world and we have a significant amount of income which can service those debts, so let’s not just look at one side (of the equation).” It’s truly astounding to think what many people consider to be ‘the most successful’ club teams in the world could have such an astounding debt.

United was taken over by American billionaire Malcolm Glazer in 2005 when he bought up 75% of Uniteds stock.