How can Manchester United afford Cristiano Ronaldo? That is the question all supporters are debating at the moment, especially in the wake of CR7's stunning demolition of Barcelona at the Nou Camp this evening.
Watched by Sir Alex Ferguson, any plans the Scot has to bring back his former star man may just have been accelerated.
Ronaldo of course comes face to face with United again next week when Real Madrid visit Old Trafford for the Champions League last 16 second leg, in a winner takes all tie.
His future is the subject of debate because he is refusing to sign a contract extension and Madrid are thought to be entertaining the thought of cashing in on him while he has two years remaining, to finance moves for Gareth Bale and Isco.
Now the development may just take a surprise twist, with the Times set to report on French big-spenders PSG launching a spectacular bid for Wayne Rooney.
PSG to bid for Rooney in the summer, says tomorrow's Times. Bet the Glazerswill be tempted to take the money if so. #MUFC
— Henry Chappell (@henrychappell) February 26, 2013
The back page:
That "#PSG to bid for Rooney" back page from The Times (via @suttonnick) twitter.com/suttonnick/sta… #mufc
— sportingintelligence (@sportingintel) February 26, 2013
Cashing in on Rooney? Should United do it? A couple of seasons ago he threatened to leave the club, who desperately offered him a dream contract to entice him to stay.
After losing Ronaldo he became their key man, but this season it has changed for him.
United signed Robin van Persie this summer who has assumed the mantle of top goalscorer and key frontman, while even as an attacking midfielder or number 10, the situation is complicated by Shinji Kagawa who wants to play there too.
Despite a fairly unspectacular season in terms of form, Rooney has 10 Premier League goals, one Champions League goal and two in the FA Cup.
But compared to Cristiano Ronaldo there is no contest. The Madrid man has 24 in La Liga, six in the Copa del Rey and seven in the Champions League.
United do have other players to cash in on to finance a move for Ronaldo; Nani, Anderson, Young and Vidic to name four, but Rooney may make sense financially in that United would clear his huge wages from their bill, and secure a big fee based on a reputation which largely outweighs his current level of performance.
It would be a spectacular couple of transfers, but can anybody argue Ronaldo over Rooney wouldn't be an improvement?
Should United do it? Or should they try to keep Rooney and sign Ronaldo?
image: © nasmac
Dan Coombs
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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.
He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.
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