British PM Gordon Brown says Manchester United will be stronger for selling Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for £80 million. Brown said: "He's one of the most brilliant players in the world. I think people will be sad that he's lost to the game in England.

"At the same time, I know Sir Alex Ferguson well, and I know he'll have plans that will be rebuilding and renewing his team. And I would expect that Manchester United and English football will emerge not weaker, but emerge in a new way and probably stronger in the long run".