With a $1.3billion debt to service, there were some fears that the Glazer family might use some of the $160million Real Madrid have pledged to pay for Cristiano Ronaldo against the interest at least.

However, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been assured that will not be the case, allowing the Scot to pursue the likes of Antonio Valencia and Franck Ribery without worrying too much about the cost.

"Nothing that has happened over the past four years would lead you to believe the owners are not going to continue investing in the team," said a Glazer family spokesman.

"A substantial number of world-class players have been brought to the club in the past few years and that will still be the case."

While there is a general understanding of why the question is being asked, the Glazer family point to their record of backing Ferguson in the transfer market since their controversial takeover.

They insist that policy has not changed despite the ongoing credit crunch, which is having an impact on United's corporate ticket sales.

"The idea Manchester United are motivated by a debt burden is just not true," added the spokesman. "It is not an issue.

"The fact is Cristiano Ronaldo decided, after six years, it was time to move on and the manager said okay.

"Sir Alex Ferguson is in total control of his squad. He is empowered to make whatever decisions he thinks are in the best interests of Manchester United. That continues to be the case."

Given confirmation that US finance giant Aon are to become new shirt sponsors in 2010, a positive spin on the past two weeks would emphasise the removal of two areas of uncertainty, allowing the club to focus on what lies ahead free from the spectre of future problems.

"Two big issues have now been removed which, in its own way, is good for everyone," the spokesman added.

In any event, according to PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor, Ferguson will have let Ronaldo leave on the basis that Wayne Rooney is the man he really cannot afford to be without.

"It is an interesting question and a difficult decision but as an Englishman, if I was asked to make a choice between the two I would have Wayne Rooney," declared Taylor.

"Wayne has not been far away from being one of the best players in the world for a long time and certainly the way he finished off the season bodes well for Manchester United and England.

"Anyone would want a player of Cristiano Ronaldo's calibre in their team but I would certainly not view his departure as a backward step for Manchester United at all."