Cristiano Ronaldo: Roy Keane identifies what Portuguese forward will bring on return to Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Old Trafford following a 12-year spell away from the club

Roy Keane says he has been ‘excited’ by the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo (Sky Sports)

Cristiano Ronaldo will bring a “winning mentality” to Manchester United following his sensational return to the club, according to former team-mate Roy Keane.

Ronaldo played alongside Keane at the very start of his first spell at Old Trafford, before going on to become one of the greatest forwards in the history of the sport.

The 36-year-old won eight major trophies at United before leaving for Real Madrid in 2009, where he went on to win four Champions League titles as well as numerous individual awards. He also won two Serie A titles during his time in Italy with Juventus.

United have strengthened their first team this transfer window under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as they aim to win their first major honour under the Norwegian after falling short in cup competitions in previous seasons.

There is also the expectation for United to challenge for the Premier League title this season, with Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane joining Ronaldo in arriving at the club this summer - but even though Keane believes his former side will still fall short of Manchester City or Chelsea in the title race, he is confident they can end their trophy drought this campaign.

“I think it’s great news for United, for the fans and for the Premier League,” Keane told Sky Sports.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s still a world-class player. People might have doubts but the hunger and desire is there for him, it’s certainly not a pay-day for him.

“We saw in the Euros that he won the Golden Boot and with the World Cup a year-and-a-half away he will have the incentive to keep going. He’s a clever guy and he’s only coming back to United to win stuff.

“My doubts are that he won’t be the difference in winning the big trophies but to win an FA Cup or a League Cup, I think that’s more than possible.

“But he’ll want more than that. He’ll bring a winning mentality to the dressing room. We all know he’s a fitness freak, his game has changed over the last few years but I’ve said he’s one of the most intelligent players I’ve seen in my life.

“He’s a winner and he’s coming back to Manchester United to win stuff, but Manchester United will still have the same problems with or without Ronaldo, and that’s midfield and goalkeeper. But for Ronaldo, I think it’s great.”

Ronaldo could make his second United debut at home to Newcastle following the international break. The 36-year-old is unavailable for today’s match away at Wolves.