Cristiano Ronaldo says that it is 'hard' for him to see his former club struggle

Cristiano Ronaldo helped Manchester United defeat Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final in Moscow, 2008

It has not been an easy couple of seasons for Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal. Earlier this week, he was called out by Paul Scholes for lacking in creativity to his style. Now, former number seven Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he finds it hard to see Manchester United struggle, according to a report on Goal.

United have struggled to find the sweeping, boisterous attacking style that they possessed when Cristiano Ronaldo had played for them. Having had only one shot on target at recent league their game against Crystal Palace, it is no surprise that the footballing world has started to ask questions.

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew had also said before the game, that United’s slow and patient style of play would drive the atmosphere at Selhurst Park into a ‘lull’. Louis van Gaal himself said that lack of goals would be a cause for concern, were they to harbour any hopes of acquiring any silverware this season.

Ronaldo expressed his feelings towards his old club

Cristiano Ronaldo who has been a fan favourite ever since he first played on the Old Trafford pitch, is still regarded with much admiration among Manchester United fans. The 30-year-old said that he found the changed style under the Dutch manager to be different.

Ronaldo has improved his game dramatically since his move to Real Madrid in 2009. He is the highest goal scorer for Real Madrid currently and also the highest scorer in the UEFA Champions League.

"It's different. I don't say that it's better or worse but it changed a lot”, admitted Ronaldo. He went to acknowledge the fact the changed style of play under Louis van Gaal is different from what Sir Alex Ferguson had done for them for many years.

"Manchester, it changed. Many great players retired. For example: Ferdinand, Giggs, Scholes, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, et cetera..”, said Ronaldo attributing the changing style to a new team that is still adapting with new players and a total football style, so in tune with Louis van Gaal.

"For me it's hard to see that because it's a club I love and of course I want to see Manchester United in a level that it was in the past.”

"I like to see the club that I like in the top - and I think Manchester, this season, is better but I think they still have work to do to be in [the] level of six, seven years ago”, concluded Ronaldo.