Soccer:Alex Ferguson will decide how much of the world record €94million transfer fee Manchester United are to receive for Cristiano Ronaldo he wants to spend. A spokesman for the Glazer family has blamed the "paranoia" of some supporters for suggestions the funds may be used to service United's massive debt.
In the wake of United's confirmation that a bid from Real Madrid for the Ballon D'Or winner had been accepted, supporters questioned how much of the cash Ferguson would get to spend given the Old Trafford outfit's €761million debt mountain.
However, the Glazer’s have pointed to their record of backing Ferguson in the transfer market throughout the four years since their controversial takeover and insist that policy has not changed despite the ongoing credit crunch.
So, while they refuse to put a figure on the funds Ferguson might wish to spend, within reason the Scot will get what he wants.
"The idea Manchester United are motivated by a debt burden is just not true," said a Glazer spokesman. "It is not an issue.
"The fact is Cristiano Ronaldo decided, after six years, it was time to move on and the manager said okay.
"Sir Alex Ferguson is in total control of his squad. He is empowered to make whatever decisions he thinks are in the best interests of Manchester United. That continues to be the case."
It means Ferguson is behind the concrete approach for Wigan's Antonio Valencia which Latics chairman Dave Whelan is expecting within the next fortnight, and he will be the one who decides if United should make Bayern Munich a "crazy" offer for Franck Ribery and the level they should ultimately go to.
Not that United are completely immune from the credit crunch, given corporate seats will be difficult to shift in their entirety in the coming season, even though the Red Devils are bidding for an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title.
However, the impact on Ferguson will be negligible.
"Only the paranoia of some supporters would lead you to believe the owners are not going to continue investing in the team," added the spokesman. "A substantial number of world-class players have been brought to the club in the past few years and that will still be the case."
Indeed, given confirmation US finance giant Aon are to become new shirt sponsors in 2010, a positive spin on the past two weeks would emphasise the removal of two areas of uncertainty, allowing the club to focus on what lies ahead free from the spectre of future problems.
"Two big issues have now been removed which, in its own way, is good for everyone," the Glazer spokesman added.
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