Cristiano Ronaldo is backing Louis van Gaal to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
The Real Madrid star believes the Premier League club he played for from 2003 – 2009 have finally found a manager capable of living up to the standards laid down by Sir Alex Ferguson.
On Sunday Ronaldo’s former team will go up against League leaders Chelsea, a team being managed by his former boss Jose Mourinho.
Ronaldo said: “Van Gaal is a fantastic coach and I am certain he will make United champions again – if not this year then very soon after that.
“Sir Alex Ferguson said that Van Gaal will need time – and he is right. Because, in the beginning at United, even Sir Alex didn’t win anything for a few years.
“To get a good squad and a good team takes time, so lets give Van Gaal the time he needs.”
Ronaldo added: “Chelsea are stronger than all the other teams this year although in the Premier League you never know what can happen.
“Chelsea have made a great start and they can be champions.
“I hope Manchester United can come again at the top of the league but, at the moment, they are many points behind Chelsea.
“The Premier League is a complicated. Even the clubs at the bottom of the table can beat those at the top, so it is very tough.”