Pep Guardiola has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo a "scoring machine" in his first reference to the player following his decision to snub Manchester City and rejoin United.
Ronaldo looked certain to sign for Guardiola's Citizens in the summer as it became clear he would be leaving Juventus.
City were in the market for a centre-forward and were closing in on signing the 36-year-old.
Ronaldo wasn't on Manchester United's radar at the time but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and co. sprung into action upon learning the Portuguese striker was available to sign.
With the help of Sir Alex Ferguson, who phoned Ronaldo to convince him to snub Man City and rejoin United, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner completed a fairytale return to Old Trafford.
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Guardiola didn't speak out on the failed transfer but following his side's 4-1 Champions League victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday, referred to Ronaldo as a "scoring machine".
"I didn't see the United match [against Atalanta]," said Guardiola. I'm going to analyse and to see what they are so I know how good they are. We saw it last season. They have one of the best players in history, a guy who can be a scoring machine."
Guardiola added: "People [were upset] for the fact I said today is more important than United and it was. Now, the most important game ever is United. The second half [against Brugge] was really good.
"A good game, good victory. We need one point to go through, three points to win the group."
Ronaldo has been Manchester United's best player since returning to Old Trafford and has netted nine goals in just 10 appearances so far this season.
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And it's not just Guardiola who has praised the striker in recent weeks, with his own boss Solskjaer also hailing his ability to score goals.
Solskjaer told beIN SPORTS: "He's incredible. And if there's anyone you want the ball to fall to in the last minute, it's him.
"He's the best goalscorer that's alive, and it's hard for me to say that because he just went past me with these two goals.
"Now he's got one more goal for Manchester United than me, but well done.
"You know that last goal there must be a Michael Jordan moment when he wins championships in extra time."
