Cristiano Ronaldo says Jose Mourinho can restore Manchester United's "identity" when he takes over - but insists he won't be joining his fellow Portuguese at Old Trafford.
Sky Sports News HQ understands Mourinho
will be unveiled as Louis van Gaal's successor by Friday this week.
In an interview with the '
Jugones' programme on Spanish television - to be aired on Friday afternoon and quoted by
The Sun - Ronaldo backed Mourinho to reinvigorate United but insisted he will be staying at Real Madrid.
Ronaldo played under Mourinho at Real Madrid and the pair famously did not get on, in particular during the coach's last season at the Bernabeu in 2012-13.
Ronaldo said: "He's already signed hasn't he? I think it's good.
"If it's something United wanted I think it's good - I hope Manchester United get back to 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 said that rumours linking him with a return to the club where he made his name are wide of the mark.
"Right now yes I am happy and I want to stay at this club," he said. "I don't see any other club that is better than Real Madrid. If you weigh things up there is no better club.
"So all other clubs can forget about me because Real Madrid is the best."
