Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo has backed interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

Ronaldo gave an interview to Sky Sports, as part of their preview of the team's upcoming Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Saturday.

During the interview, Ronaldo was asked about the team's fortunes this season, Rangnick's appointment, and his expectations for the rest of the campaign.

On Rangnick, Ronaldo said: "Since he arrived five weeks ago he changed many things. But he needs time to put his ideas across to the players.

"It takes time but I believe that he is going to do a good job. We know we aren't playing the best football but we have many games to improve.

"Since he arrived I think in some points we are better, but he needs time. It's not that easy to change the mentality of players and the way they play, the culture, the system like that. I believe that he is going to do a good job."

On the departure of previous boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ronaldo finished: "Not easy to be honest. We changed Ole, then [Michael] Carrick [caretaker manager], then this new coach. It's difficult when you change so much, it's always tough.

"It's always sad and tough. Ole used to play with me before and now he was the coach. A fantastic person. When he left everybody was sad, but it's part of football.

"When things don't go the way the club wants, the club has to change. I was disappointed but we have to understand the club. It was difficult but life continues.

"But I still believe that we are capable of doing a good season. We know it's going to take time to make the ideas of the new coach on the pitch.

"But I'm looking forward. We have to work hard, we have to be together as players. We know we are not in the best moment, but I believe with working hard we can achieve important things, even this year."