Jason Cundy believes Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit from Manchester United and the Glazer family seeking to sell the club added to what has been one of the most turbulent days in football.
After Argentina started the day with a shock loss to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo and the United States owners closed it out with a bang.
The Premier League side first announced that Ronaldo had left the club with immediate effect following his explosive comments in his interview with Piers Morgan.
Then it emerged their US owners were looking for buyers after 17 years in charge, with the prospect of a deal being “very real”, according to talkSPORT.
“It’s one of the greatest days in football, from a history perspective. I can’t think of a bigger day,” Cundy told Sports Bar listeners on Tuesday night as he tried to catch his breath.
“Argentina lose against Saudi Arabia, they haven’t lost for 1000 games [34 for those who like to take things literally] and lose their first game in the World Cup. Fast forward a few hours and Ronaldo has left United. Not “maybe”, he’s gone, he’s gone. He’s single, everyone’s married, and he’s single. Then a few hours later, the Glazers sell United.
“What a day of football news, it’s quite remarkable.”
Asked about his verdict on Ronaldo’s exit from Manchester United, Cundy: “He [got what he wanted].
“I have to say fair play towards Manchester United as well. They may have been in a position they didn’t want to be in, but they dealt with it early.
“Get rid of it, get it done, settle it because they didn’t want that cloud hanging over them every press conference or every time a Manchester United player, whoever he’s playing for in the Cup of the world, is asked about Ronaldo.
“Ronaldo made a statement and said ‘don’t ask the other players about it’, but it’s over.
“The divorce happened. It’s a quick divorce – I wish I had one myself at the time – but it’s a quick divorce and it’s done.
“Now that they’re separated, everyone can move on. He can concentrate on the World Cup, he knows he will not return to Manchester United. Manchester United can move on, the fans can move on, but with the Glazer family it’s like a double whammy.
Responding to co-host Jamie O’Hara’s comments that Man United fans will be rubbing their hands, Cundy said: “It’s huge.
“One of the biggest clubs in world football is up for sale. That in itself is huge.
“When the Glazers arrived and bought him, Man United fans hoped they had the best interests of the club at heart, but they are businessmen.
“They came, they made their money, it worked perfectly for them because what an investment it turned out to be.
“Now they’re going to move on and they don’t care who they sell it to. They do not care.
“Anyone who comes to buy this football club is clearly going to have deep pockets and clearly has a much deeper motive than just winning trophies.
“It’s a business, but you just hope they come with the right motivations, ie a sheikh with deep pockets, oil – someone like City, Newcastle or whatever they have. almost had at Chelsea.
“Chelsea is the model. Roman [Abramovich] came in and lifted Chelsea from third in the table, without a title in 50 years, to European Cup victory.
“Almost every year or 18 months, Chelsea would win a title.
“Manchester United are a cash cow, the Glazers have proven that. The owner comes in and the only thing you want him to have in mind is success.
“You want them to improve the training ground, improve the pitch, improve the squad and all of that comes at a price – a huge price – in today’s market, especially at United.
Ronaldo released a brief statement but it remains to be seen whether he will speak again in his pre-match press conference with Portugal to kick off their World Cup campaign on Thursday.
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