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Ronaldo makes Man Utd return in draw against Rayo Vallecano

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Mueez Ajao

– Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United’s starting XI for their preseason friendly against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford on Sunday.

– Ronaldo missed United’s tour of Thailand and Australia after being given time off for personal reasons.

– All eyes were on Cristiano Ronaldo as the superstar made his first appearance for Manchester United since demanding an exit from Old Trafford, but the result was another disappointing one for Erik ten Hag.

Also Read: Ronaldo confirms return to Man U squad

– It came up against Spanish opposition in Rayo Vallecano only 24 hours after Atletico Madrid beat the Red Devils in Oslo, and Rayo added to the frustration for Ten Hag’s team.

– It was Andoni Iraola’s team who had the first chance of the game as Alvaro Garcia raced down the left flank and tested Tom Heaton inside the first 15 seconds.

– That was arguably the best chance of the first period, with Cristiano and company unable to find a way through against an organised Rayo Vallecano defence.

– At half-time, Cristiano Ronaldo was withdrawn after his first 45 minutes of action in the pre-season campaign in the only change that Erik ten Hag made.

– It was Cristiano’s replacement, Amad Diallo, who took just over two minutes to break the deadlock.

– Alex Telles had a go from distance and the swerve of the ball caught out former Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez, who had only come on at half-time, and he fumbled it into the path of Diallo, who tucked the ball into the back of the net.

– It was far from plain sailing for the home side, even after taking the lead, as Radamel Falcao rocked the crossbar on his return to Old Trafford with an effort from 20 yards out.

– Shortly after, Isi Palazon tried from distance and Tom Heaton could only palm his effort out to the feet of Alvaro Garcia, who gleefully levelled the scoreline.

– After that, the changes began to disrupt the flow of the game, with other new arrivals Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen withdrawn, while youngster Zidane Iqbal was among those to make their Old Trafford debuts.

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