Manchester United suffered their first defeat of pre-season against Atletico Madrid on Saturday, though it was by no means an abject performance.
A late Joao Felix strike and a stoppage time red card for Fred stole the limelight from a largely positive performance. However, the main headline against Rayo Vallecano, regardless of the result, will be the return of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 37-year-old has been extremely active on social media over the last few days, and used the medium to reveal he would be returning to the pitch for United on Sunday. He still wishes to leave the club, though, albeit Erik ten Hag says the forward still features in his plans.
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Fans will see how he fits into them for the first time this weekend, with new signing Lisandro Martinez set for his debut. Ten Hag said none of the players who started the loss to Atletico will play United’s final pre-season friendly meaning Raphael Varane will likely partner the newest arrival in central defence.
Luke Shaw and transfer-listed Aaron Wan-Bissaka, both of whom didn’t travel to Norway, are likely to complete the back four in front of Tom Heaton. In the second half of the Atletico encounter, Ten Hag reverted to a 4-1-2-3 formation with Christian Eriksen partnering Donny van de Beek as attacking midfielders ahead of the holding Fred.
He may begin the game with Rayo Vallecano in the same manner, but this time with James Garner acting as the pivot. It would be no surprise to see Alejandro Garnacho and Amad flank Ronaldo up the top end of the pitch.
Eric Bailly, Tahith Chong and Hannibal Mejbri may also get run-outs before full-time.
Predicted XI: Heaton, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Garner; Van de Beek, Eriksen; Garnacho, Ronaldo, Amad.
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