Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Old Trafford for pre-season friendly after transfer turmoil – kick-off time, team news and how to follow
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make his long-awaited return to Manchester United on Sunday against Rayo Vallecano.
The Red Devils were in Norway for a pre-season game against Atletico on Saturday – a 1-0 loss – but the 37-year-old stayed in England and will feature in a second string game at Old Trafford.
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Ronaldo is back in training with his teammates
Ronaldo was seen turning up at the club’s training ground in Carrington on Tuesday and confirmed on social media that he was set to feature.
United’s double-header against Spanish opposition will be their last friendly before their Premier League opener against Brighton.
Man United v Rayo Vallecano: Start date and time
This pre-season friendly match will take place on Sunday July 31.
Kick-off at Old Trafford will be at 4 p.m.
Man United v Rayo Vallecano: TV channel and live stream
The match will once again be shown live on MUTV – which costs £7.99 a month and can be streamed live via club websites.
talkSPORT will have regular updates from Old Trafford while talkSPORT.com will be on hand for any post-match reactions.
To tune into talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 via the website click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen through the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
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Ten Hag makes his Old Trafford debut
Man United v Rayo Vallecano: Team news
After United’s loss to Atletico, manager Erik ten Hag said of Ronaldo: “Tomorrow he will be in the team. We will see how long he can play.
If included, it will be Ronaldo’s first game for United since the 4-0 defeat at Brighton on May 7.
The Portuguese could line up alongside new United signings Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martínez.
Ten Hag is also expected to name a number of youngsters in his side with Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage in contention for a few minutes.
New signings Martinez and Eriksen both push minutes
Man United v Rayo Vallecano: What was said?
Ten Hag: “The players who have played today from the beginning, they will not come tomorrow.
“So tomorrow we will have a different starting XI. But there are players who have come in who can start tomorrow.
During his Theater of Dreams debut, Ten Hag added, “I think [it will be special].
“Afterwards, I can tell you the feeling, but that would be great. I heard it was sold out, so that’s fantastic.
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