Manchester United supporters gave wantaway striker Cristiano Ronaldo a positively warm reaction as he made his first appearance of pre-season.
The Portuguese was confirmed to feature in the Red Devils’ clash against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, with boss Erik ten Hag announcing his inclusion the day before. But he wasn’t just limited to the bench, though, with Ronaldo handed a place in the starting line-up for the game.
It represented his first appearance for the club since submitting a stunning transfer request. But despite wanting to leave the club - with the likes of Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea having all been linked - Ronaldo was actually handed a relatively warm response by fans.
After his name was read out by the PA announcer at Old Trafford, a vast number of supporters cheered loudly, with just a small smattering of boos. This then accompanied a rendition of the club’s “Viva Ronaldo” chant - something that was a regular fixture during home matches last season.
Ronaldo’s legacy at Old Trafford is seemingly secure despite making it clear that he sees no future for himself at the club, despite only securing an emotional return from Juventus last term. It remains to be seen whether he can seal a move away though.
United have maintained their stance that the Portuguese remains under contract and is not for sale. Those linked with a move for the 37-year-old also appear incapable of securing his signature - his huge wages thought to be the main stumbling block.
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In the meantime, he will hope to increase his fitness over the next week. He missed United’s trip to Asia and Australia due to “personal reasons” but did make his return to the club’s Carrington training base earlier this week to hold discussions over his future.
Ten Hag’s men are set for their first competitive game of the season next weekend against Brighton and Hove Albion. Should Ronaldo appear then he will be more than keen to add to the 24 goals he scored last season in all competitions.
Whilst there was a vast amount of attention on the Portuguese throughout the game with Rayo Vallecano, the clash also gave an opportunity to a former Red Devils forward to make his return to Old Trafford.
Now with the Spanish outfit, Radamel Falcao was handed a place in the starting XI seven years after he saw his poor season-long loan in Manchester from AS Monaco expire. He too was given a warm welcome by supporters packed into Old Trafford.
