Cristiano Ronaldo backs Manchester United for the Premier League title

 

Cristiano Ronaldo has thrown his support behind Manchester United in the Premier League title race.

The Portuguese enjoyed a glittering playing career at Old Trafford winning numerous honours before swapping Manchester for Madrid in 2009.

But the reigning Ballon d'Or winner still holds his former club in high regard and expects them to be real challengers for the league title this season.

"Manchester is good this year. They are better. They are at the top so it's good and it's a club I like, everyone knows that," he said speaking ahead of the release of a new film about his career.

"What I expect is that Manchester can be champions in England. With Van Gaal, with all the players and staff, I wish them all the best."

Ronaldo also offered under-fire Jose Mourinho some encouragement, admitting he sees the Chelsea manager as one of the top coaches in world football.

“I would put him at the top, I always say that," Ronaldo said, speaking to BT Sport.

"He’s a good coach, he did many good things and won many trophies for other clubs.

"My coach is now Benitez and I’m comfortable we are going to win many things together.”

Mourinho won three trophies during his three seasons in charge of Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.

The Portuguese guided the Spanish giants to success in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup before returning to Chelsea in the summer of 2013 and winning the Premier League title last season.

After six defeats in the Blues' opening 11 top flight matches of this campaign, Chelsea sit 15th in the table, 14 points off league leaders Manchester City.