Ronaldo sale diminishes Premier League: PFA chief

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Bobby Barnes says United will have a contingency plan in place.

New Delhi: Manchester United’s acceptance of Real Madrid's mega-money bid for Cristiano Ronaldo, and the player's potential transfer away from England's top tier, is a loss for the Premier League, according to Bobby Barnes; deputy Chief Executive of the Player's Football Association.

The Old Trafford outfit announced via their website that the club had given permission for Real to speak with Ronaldo, currently holidaying in Los Angeles, following a successful £80 million bid.

The departure of the Portuguese, though, will diminish not just the club, but also the Premier League, and be a loss to the fans, too, according to voices at the PFA.

Barnes was quick to add that United will have a contingency plan in place, and believes Bayern Munich's star player, Franck Ribery, will be press-linked to be Ronaldo's successor.

Barnes told Goal.com what the deal would mean on a personal and professional basis, "I would be very disappointed if Cristiano Ronaldo was to leave Manchester United. He has been a pleasure to watch and any move would be a loss to the Premier League and to Manchester United and the fans."

The 46-year-old added that United will likely be linked with a plethora of players, and that it is a reflection of modern football when the individual presses for a move away from a club, citing David Beckham as a further example.

"A club like Manchester United is well run and always has contingency plans in place," Barnes said. "It would be interesting to see who they have lined up as a possible replacement. No doubt some big names such as Franck Ribery will come up in the next few days and Sir Alex will use the money wisely.

"What United fans have to understand is that big names such as David Beckham have left Manchester United before and its a reflection of modern football in which players are capable of instigating transfers.

"Manchester United supporters will be very unhappy at the prospect of losing a player who has thrilled them on the pitch these last few years," Barnes concluded.