Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he finds it hard to see Manchester United's struggles in recent years
Cristiano Ronaldo feels
Manchester United have
significant work to do if they are to return to
the
same level they were at during his time at the club.
The
Portugal international enjoyed a successful spell at Old Trafford
between 2003 and 2009, winning three Premier League titles and the
Champions League in his final three years before joining Real Madrid.
Ronaldo
has nothing but fond memories of his time at United, but has found it
tough to see them struggling in recent years after the retirement of his
mentor Sir Alex Ferguson.
"For me it is hard to
see that Manchester United are not at the same level as before because
it is a club that I love," the 30-year-old told BBC Sport.
"Of
course I want to see Manchester United at the level that it was in the
past. Like, for example, Sporting Lisbon was my first professional club -
I like to see the clubs that I like at the top.
"I think Manchester this season is better, but I think they still have work to do to be at the level of six, seven years ago.
"It
is different. I'm not saying it's better or worse, it is just
different. Many great players have retired. Sir Alex Ferguson has gone
and the structure has changed, in my opinion."
Ronaldo is regularly linked with making a return to United, but he is adamant that he is happy with Madrid for now.
"As
I say many, many times, the future nobody knows," continued the
forward. "At this moment I am so glad and happy here in Real Madrid but
the future nobody knows.
"I will say this answer
all the time because the future nobody knows, but I am good here. I
still have a contract with Real Madrid and I am happy here."
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