Cristiano Ronaldo: Jose Mourinho's first task at Manchester United is giving club back an 'identity'

The Real Madrid forward was quick to heap praise on his former Real Madrid coach, who is finalising a contract with United to succeed Louis van Gaal as manager at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo departed United for Madrid in a world record £80 million transfer in 2009 having scored 118 goals in 292 matches and collecting the world player of the year award after helping United beat Chelsea on penalties to win their third Champions League in 2008.

Ahead of this year's Champions League final between Real and Atletico on Saturday evening in Milan, Ronaldo said he felt Mourinho's first task must be to return United to winning ways and rediscover an identity they have lost since Sir Alex Ferguson retired as manager in 2013.

"He’s already signed, hasn’t he?," said Ronaldo. "I think it’s good. If it’s something United wanted I think it’s good.

“I hope Manchester United get back to being what they were because it’s an impressive club, but in the last years they lacked an identity a bit.

“And it hurts me seeing United like that because it’s a club I carry in my heart. I wish Mourinho can restore them back to the top.”

Ronaldo endured serious problems with Mourinho towards the end of his three-year spell as manager of Los Blancos with rumours that they fell out due to what Ronaldo viewed as negative tactics.

But Ronaldo says he does not hold a grudge against the 'Special One'.

“Without any problems I would embrace him. One of my great qualities is to not hold grudges at anyone regardless of the damage they may have done to me," said Ronaldo.

“I’m not saying he did, I’m saying in general. There were some problems like in life, like you have problems with your wife.”

The thought of Ronaldo returning to United is one the club's fans must salivate over, but with every passing year its looks unlikelier.

At the age of 31, Ronaldo is hardly on the wane, but he must have one eye on the future without football. The end comes to all great players, and it will be interesting to see what the Portugal striker does after Madrid. With Mourinho running United, he is hardly going to be relishing the prospect of turning out for his old club after the goings on at the Bernabeu when they argued over the correct style of play for the team.

An 11th Champions League success for Madrid in Milan would merely add to Ronaldo's willingness to keep scoring and picking up trophies in the Spanish capital. He might no longer hold a grudge against Mourinho, but that does not mean he suddenly wants to play for him.