Cristiano Ronaldo Tips Louis Van Gaal to Win Title, Open to Jose Mourinho Rumour

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo believes Louis van Gaal can guide Manchester United to the Premier League title this season, and refused to rule out the possibility of reuniting with former Madrid boss Jose Mourinho.

Per Vaishali Bhardwaj of the Evening Standard, Ronaldo said at the premiere of his new film: "He [Van Gaal] is doing a good job at Manchester United especially this year. As people know, Manchester United is a club I support and I like it so what I expect is that Manchester United can be champions this year. This is my wish."

The Red Devils are currently fourth in the Premier League, just two points behind joint leaders Manchester City and Arsenal.

United have the best defensive record in the division only just eight goals conceded in 12 matches. Squawka Football shared their impressive stats:

However, the club have scored just 17 in that time—the fewest in the top seven.

The Times' James Ducker and football writer Liam Canning highlighted the contrast between their ability to attack and defend:

However, as Canning further highlighted, United are still able to pick up important results along the way:

The Red Devils' league position is a testament to their strong back line, as they have failed to impress as a team going forward in almost every match this season—even when scoring several goals.

Premier League titles are often built on a strong defensive foundation, and with that already squared away, United are firmly in contention to win the league at the moment.

If Van Gaal can inject some excitement and dynamism into their play in the final third, perhaps through recruitment in January, the Red Devils might even be considered favourites ahead of Manchester City.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Ronaldo also revealed he was open to linking up with Chelsea manager Mourinho again. According to Sergio Fernandez of Marca, he said: "Work with Mourinho again? Why not? I've got two more years on my contract with Real Madrid, but no-one knows what the future holds."

As football writer Miguel Delaney noted, the superstar has form in statements such as these:

Los Blancos have made a strong start to life under Rafael Benitez and Ronaldo himself has scored 13 goals in just 15 appearances. However, eight of those came in two consecutive matches back in September and the 30-year-old has produced a number of anonymous showings since.

Mourinho's Chelsea are one of the few clubs who could afford the star, though Ronaldo's United heritage could prevent him from joining one of their rivals.

He could be hinting the two could work together in the Portuguese national side. More likely, they could meet at a club such as Paris Saint-Germain, as the mega-rich team seems the most likely destination for both should they leave their current clubs.

Alternatively, Mourinho was recently linked with a return to the Bernabeu by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, who told Sky Sports "that in some point in the future, [Los Blancos president] Florentino Perez would like to have Jose Mourinho back."

If the 52-year-old ever resumes his position in the dugout at Real, it seems Ronaldo would happily welcome him back.