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Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping that Manchester United can end their European exile and qualify for the Champions League this season. The Red Devils face Manchester City on Sunday, hoping their late draw with Chelsea last week will spur them on against their out of form rivals.
Whilst 9 points off of leaders Chelsea, United are looking to firstly step back into Europe, having invested heavily during the summer. Under David Moyes, United missed out on European qualification last season and now find themselves in the unusual position of watching Europe’s elite on TV every fortnight.
Ex-United man Ronaldo, who scored on his return to England in Real Madrid’s 3-0 thrashing of Liverpool last week, still holds plenty of admiration for his former club, where he spent six successful years.
Speaking to La Liga Blog in the mixed zone after the Champions League match, Ronaldo said how he would like to see them successful again.
“They are a great club, and they deserve to be in this competition [UEFA Champions League]. It will be tough but I still watch them and hope they can get in the top four. The Premier League is a hard league, but they are a big club and I hope they can do it.”
With his goal at Anfield, Ronaldo moved to within one of the all-time Champions League scoring record, turning a half-volley past Simon Mignolet for his 70th in the competition. Lionel Messi is just one behind Ronaldo with 69, as the two met last weekend in the first Clasico of the season.
The Portuguese striker continued his fine form, scoring Real’s equaliser as they went on to defeat Barca 3-1 at the Bernabeu, with Lionel Messi unable to add to his 250 La Liga goals and equal Telmo Zarra’s league record.
