Jose Mourinho believes Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo is desperate to beat Manchester United tonight in their Champions League meeting at Old Trafford tonight.

Ronaldo scored scoring 118 goals in 292 outings during a six year stint with United.

His only return to Old Trafford was in 2013 with Real Madrid under Mourinho, where he scored in a 2-1 victory. And Mourinho knows Ronaldo will be just as motivated to do the same again tonight.

"He came back with me in Real Madrid," Mourinho told United's official website. "I know how much he loves Manchester United. I know that, but I also know how much he wanted to win here and score against Manchester United and win against Manchester United, because he did that with Real.

"He scored and they won. So, it will be more of the same on Tuesday.

"The fans will show the respect he deserves. He will show that to the fans, too. I know that he really loves the club but when the ball starts rolling, he wants to score and he wants to win."