Erik ten Hag confirms Cristiano Ronaldo return ahead of Manchester United vs Rayo Vallecano

Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the Manchester United squad that takes on Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

The United boss will make his Old Trafford debut in the club’s final friendly of the summer. He has already confirmed that the starting line-up for that game will be entirely different to the XI that started the 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in Norway on Saturday.

In fact, none of those who began the match will feature at all. But the main story will be the inclusion of Ronaldo.

READ MORE: Manchester United predicted XI vs Rayo Vallecano

The striker still wishes to leave the club and has not played at all in pre-season so far. However, on Friday, the Portugal captain wrote on Instagram: “Sunday, the King plays.”

Ronaldo has not featured for United since the 4-0 loss away at Brighton on May 7, having missed their pre-season tour due to family reasons. However, Ten Hag has confirmed the striker, who netted 24 times last season, will feature in Sunday’s game.

Speaking after the defeat to Atletico in Oslo, the Dutchman said: "Tomorrow he will be in the squad. We’ll see how long he can play."

Get your copy of the Women's Euros final official programme here

READ MORE:

Manchester United news homepage

Ronaldo sends United message with social media post

What Erik ten Hag told players after Atletico defeat

Man United player ratings vs Atletico Madrid

Why Sancho was not in squad vs Atletico Madrid