As a United fan, I've been asked a few times in the past few days what I thought of the Cristiano Ronaldo deal to Real Madrid.  After getting over the initial shock of people actually CARING about what I think, I found myself saying, "You know what?  I'm not sure yet...." 

But after some thinking...and reading...and more thinking....and comparing....and more reading....I'm still not sure. 

Check that. 

I trust that manager Sir Alex Ferguson knows exactly what he's doing.

He watched Cantona retire on him, shipped Beckham out after 'boot-gate' and then exiled Van Nistelrooy (after he got into an altercation with CR7 coincidentally) - and United have thrived.  I believe they will continue to.

How could they not with 132m US in their pockets?  That will buy exactly what they need - even if they have to over-pay for it initially (United's top targets are listed below).  And they may ALREADY have what they need if Wayne Rooney ever decides to get a little selfish and Sir Alex plops him back into the center role he excels at with the England national team.

When it comes to Ronaldo - THIS United fan (I can NEVER speak for any of the other United fans) is not happy to see him go but I fully understand why he must.  And you know when I knew he had to go?  When he tossed the tracksuit handed to him when he was subbed out of the derby match versus Manchester City on May 10th.  His annoyed head-shaking for the TV cameras showed everyone watching that it was no longer about Manchester United - it was about Cristiano Ronaldo.  Yes, his mother was in the crowd and he wanted to keep showing off for her but with the Champions League Final around the corner, Sir Alex did what he felt was best.  And the public display of petulance was when I knew he'd be gone.  I think I even said as much to whomever was listening in the department at the time.

After that - it was easy to see Ronaldo's relationship with United was at an end.  Ferguson was displeased with his play during the Wigan match and in the Champions League Final, I was among many screaming at the big screens at Brit's Pub in Minneapolis for Ronaldo to stop being so selfish and bring his teammates into the game. 

As wise as Ferguson is - the one lesson he failed to teach the World Player of the Year is that TEAMS win games - not individuals.  And so off to Real Madrid he goes - where individuals thrive...and sometimes they briefly come together to win.  It is the perfect spot for the preening peacock - and I don't think Ferguson will lose a wink of sleep over it.

So where do United go from here?  When you think about it they've essentially lost TWO players.  Ronaldo the free-kick dynamo and Ronaldo the speedy winger.  Nani has made it known he is ready to step into Ronaldo's shoes but Nani has yet to show he can even CARRY Ronaldo's shoes let alone attempt to put them on.  No, Ferguson is going to have to reinforce his team through the transfer market - a transfer market that is well aware United have plenty to spend.  Already the prices have started to skyrocket.  Here's who I think he should target - in order of preference:

Franck Ribery - Bayern Munich
-Obvious choice - and the fact he can play either wing or as a second striker makes him an almost like for like replacement to Ronaldo - and he is a team player.  Bringing him in would also help Rooney's case to be played in a central role because of the fact HE could take the open spot on the wing.  No matter what United would have to pay, Ribery would likely be worth every penny.

Antonio Valencia - Wigan
-The most likely first buy and a 'Wal-Mart' type replacement if you will.  A right-sided forward who (unlike Ribery) has experience in the Premier League and has shown he can handle it and excel.  If he's so good, why has he been at Wigan for two years right?  Well, adjusting to life in England is never easy for South Americans but with the pressure off he has been able to grow and get better at a smaller club.  If he comes to United, he'll be ready for the pressure that goes with - and not have to worry about the issues that come with moving to a new country.  He can focus on the football with one fo the best teams in the world.  But it will be a BIG gamble for United.

Karim Benzema - Lyon
-At just 21-years old, he's seen as one of the most promising young talents in the game - and Ferguson has had his eye on him for some time.  He's the perfect package of power, skill and creativity who could REALLY establish his credentials under Ferguson.  The player himself has said he would prefer a move to Spain or to stay in France but if United come in with the right offer (40m US or so) - Lyon may be forced to sell.  Yes I know he's a forward but in the United attack he had Ronaldo and company switching all the time.  Benzema is versatile enough to do the same.

The unfortunate part is - on top of trying to fill the significant void left by Ronaldo, United also look set to lose ST Carlos Tevez (to City or Liverpool) and possibly Nemanja Vidic (Barcelona).  If so - having 132m US in your pocket will come in handy there as well!

One thing is certain - United have work to do over the summer and as time goes by, it will get harder and harder to get who you want.  As Florentino Perez has shown us all (and in the words of John Kreese - sensai of the Cobra Kai) - strike first, strike hard, no mercy sir!