Darren Haines, spokesman for Paddy Power, said: “Everyone expected Ronaldo to join Real Madrid sometime but no one saw it coming today. It’s unusual these days for a big transfer not to be leaked but perhaps the speed of events was too quick for punters to capitalise.”

But in recent days United had been fully expected to keep his services for another year not least following such words from the man himself on Sky Sports. Punters were still backing Ronaldo to stay at Man United last night at 8/15 with a Madrid move at 6/4.