Ronaldo: Its business not personal.

The best summer of Manchester United’s recent history has been clouded by the continued speculation over Ronaldo, mostly emanating for Spain.

It is easy to rage against the Real Madrid machine but I have to say its hardly surprising that they are making such a concerted effort to buy one of the best young talents currently gracing football pitches in the world. Why wouldn’t you? To be honest I don’t blame them. I would. It’s business.

The player himself has also angered a lot of Manchester United fans. There is no getting away from it. Ronaldo, as a player, is a marmite player – you know. However, when I have questioned people about their stance it seems to have been based upon blind loyalty. I find this strange, although romantic. Let me explain.

If you work for an organisation and a rival says they are really keen to offer you a job and they will increase your wage by a considerable margin per week and relocate you from England to Spain then, in my book you would be an idiot not to consider it. And you would be an even bigger idiot not to use it as a way of improving your current situation , should you actually want to move or not.

In my opinion this is all that is happening with Ronaldo. He has someone who is happy to offer him a better deal and he is using that to improve his lot. Now before people bleat on about loyalty, they should stop and think about it…loyal to who? Your employer? The fans? Please.

Yes Manchester United have done a lot for Ronaldo but then Ronaldo has never said (ignore the Marca Reports) anything against United either. He has been very careful not to burn his bridges. Ultimately, he has done nothing wrong. People say he should have come out and said he wants to stay. Why? Because it makes us feel better. Yes, conduct is important but as far as I am concerned he has done nothing except look after his career. Ferguson agrees, otherwise there is no way in hell Ronaldo would be allowed to continue at Old Trafford.

So what is the future? Well, it is and always has been very simple. The most talented No 7 in the world will be back playing for Manchester United in 2008/2009. And I can’t wait…