Will Ferguson, Man U fans be ruing Ronaldo's exit?
Thursday, August 6, 2009 @ 2:30 PM
While Cristiano Ronaldo's exit from Manchester United ended the most protracted transfer saga in recent years, the winger's legacy could loom large over Old Trafford this season.
With most of the 80 million pounds ($135 million) Real Madrid paid for the world player of the year still not reinvested in new talent, another slow start to the season could raise questions over Alex Ferguson's reluctance to compete with big-spending Real Madrid and Manchester City in the transfer market.
The Glazer family who own the club have told Ferguson the cash was not required to service large debt repayments and could be used to strengthen a squad chasing a record fourth straight Premier League title and looking to avenge May's Champions League final loss to Barcelona.
The frugal Ferguson though has spent just a quarter of the Ronaldo windfall on wingers Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan, with the most startling recruit costing nothing.
Out of contract at Newcastle and written off as injury-prone by England manager Fabio Capello, Old Trafford was the last place Michael Owen was expected to be starting the season.
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