It had been a long three months for Cristiano Ronaldo’s adoring public, starved of seeing their hero in action. They have been told that Ronaldo is not suited to how Manchester United want to play, while the man himself is desperate to leave.
But on his first appearance since United’s chastening 4-0 defeat at Brighton in early May, there was nothing but love for the veteran superstar as his side finished their pre-season off with a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford.
It is anyone’s guess whether he will even don the red shirt again, as the transfer saga of the summer looks set to rumble on.
The 37-year-old’s 45-minute cameo was full of enthusiasm and drive to persuade his enamoured fanbase that staying in Manchester is still on the table nonetheless.