Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Old Trafford before end of Manchester United friendly

Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford on Sunday before the end with it being unclear if Erik ten Hag had given the 37-year-old permission to do so.

The striker, who wants to leave the club, had played a first ever half under the new manager, Ronaldo having missed the previous five pre-seasons games due to a family issue. At the break Ten Hag replaced the striker with Amad Diallo and he was later photographed outside the stadium before the close of the match. But, when it was put to United if Ronaldo was allowed to do so, the club were unable to offer a clarification.

Ten Hag had earlier asked all of the squad, whether involved or not, to have lunch together and then attend the warm-up game. United had also played on Saturday – the 1-0 loss to Atlético Madrid in Oslo – the team landing back in Manchester at 8am on Sunday. A group of players who included Diogo Dalot, Marcus Rashford, Brandon Williams, Anthony Elanga and Tyrell Malacia were seated in the directors’ box during the match with other non-playing squad members understood to be elsewhere in Old Trafford.

While Dalot was also in a photograph of Ronaldo leaving early, whether the latter will face any disciplinary action from Ten Hag is unclear. As the manager had not scheduled a post-game conference afterwards the media were unable to ask. But the player may not also have pleased the 52-year-old with his “on Sunday the king plays” comment on Instagram on Friday. As this either revealed sensitive selection news or was presumptive on Ronaldo’s part, Ten Hag may be dismayed at the effect on discipline and team spirit.

The Dutchman did offer analysis to MUTV of the actual performance and a pre-season that ends with