While English fans are excited about the coming season, one Red Devil is not.

After a successful right ankle operation, Cristiano Ronaldo is now being rumored to miss at least a month of the coming 2008-09 English Premier League season. This is huge considering Ronaldo’s team, Manchester United, will come in as defending English champions again.

Heck, with all these rumors about the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the Premiership to play for Real Madrid in the Spanish Primera, Ronaldo missing at least a month of the Premiership should be the least of Man-U’s worries.

As of press time, Manchester United have fended off yet another verbal claim from Real Madrid for Ronaldo’s services. He is the biggest thing going for Old Trafford since David Beckham was swooned away, also by Real Madrid. For now, Man-U is glad their star’s operation was a successful one.

Manchester United released a statement after the successful operation.

‘’Cristiano Ronaldo underwent surgery today to his right ankle and the initial indications are that the procedure was successful.'’

‘’Cristiano will begin his convalescence under the direction of club medical staff and an estimation of his return to full fitness will be possible following review by the specialist in one month.'’

Ronaldo’s surgery seems to have no effect whatsoever in Real Madrid’s desire to land the Man-U star. Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes that they are doing Manchester United a favor by trying to land their biggest star. Wha?!? How in the hell did he figured that?

‘’I think that, first of all, it’s the desire of the player (to join us), but, of course, Manchester shouldn’t be angry and they should open up their stance,'’ Calderon said.

‘’We can’t be blamed if nearly every player wants to come to Real Madrid. If I was Manchester United I’d be happy and proud to be able to negotiate such a transfer for one of my players.'’

Can Manchester United defend their title and win the 2008-09 English Premiership? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

Manchester United 2.40

Chelsea FC 2.75

Arsenal 5.50

Liverpool 7.00

Want more odds? Visit Bodog for more international football odds and the best betting lines on some of today’s biggest sporting events.

Manchester United Cristiano Ronaldo