Mark Hughes is adamant Alex Ferguson is only letting Cristiano Ronaldo leave Manchester United because he believes it is in the best interests of the club. United have confirmed they have accepted a world-record €94million bid for the Fifa World Player of the Year from Real Madrid, with a deal likely to be concluded by June 30th.
The news is bound to be greeted with some scepticism given Ferguson's previous statements on the matter, including a famous declaration that he "would not sell that mob a virus" when speculation of a deal with Real being done arose last December.
Mixed with that will be an anxiety about where United go from here, knowing Carlos Tevez is also likely to leave this summer.
But Hughes feels certain Ferguson has only made his decision because he believes the Red Devils will emerge as a stronger force.
"There seems to have been a lot of speculation about Ronaldo's future for a number of seasons, to the extent it has started to become predictable," said Hughes. "Obviously Manchester United feel it is good business for them.
"Alex Ferguson makes key decisions very quickly and I suspect he will have been very much involved in what has happened.
"He has made what he thinks is the right decision for the club and we have to respect that."
Former Manchester United striker and Republic of Ireland international Frank Stapletonbelieves the club should not panic over the loss of Ronaldo.
Stapleton pointed out that United had sold star players in the past and had not suffered when David Beckham and Jaap Stam left the club, or when Eric Cantona retired.
Stapleton told Sky Sports News: "I feel that money will be used very, very quickly.
"When the top players have left Manchester United the actual team has not been diminished in any way, they have gone on to be stronger again.
"The Champions League final for Alex Ferguson will have opened his eyes, what Man United need to do to stay top, not only in England but in Europe."
Former United boss Tommy Dochertybelieves the Old Trafford club should "cut their (Real's) hands off" to get rid of the Portugal winger.
Docherty, who led United for five years in the 1970s, told Sky Sports News: "I think it's fantastic business. It was £40million, it was £50million, it was 60, now it's 80 and I think they should cut their hands off and run and don't even consider about it at all."
He added: "There is no way they would sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid without Alex Ferguson's say-so.
"I can only think Alex has come to the conclusion - and I think he's quite right - get rid of him because the same problem is going to arise next year again and the year after.
"And I sit at home giggling sometimes when managers say 'he is not available at any price' and a fortnight later he is gone.
"Every player has got a price and if a club is prepared to pay that price then he will go.
"When you fall out with Sir Alex, whatever may be the reasons - Beckham did it as well with the entourage he carried with him - they're on their way.
"You can't have this disharmony brought upon the players and the club every year and I think United - £80million - cut their hands off and give Real Madrid the problem of handling Ronaldo from now on in."
Manchester United Supporters’ Trust have called for Ferguson to be given all the funds raised through transfers this summer.
Chief executive Duncan Drasdosaid: "We are calling upon the owners to make a statement of intent that ALL incoming transfer funds will be made available to Alex Ferguson to allow the manager to strengthen the squad.
“With the expected £25-30million annual spend and other potential transfers (such as Fraizer Campbell), this should amount to at least £115million.
“There will be a spotlight shining on Manchester United transfer activity this summer to ensure the manager is given the resources he requires and that this money stays in the club”.
