Man United fans send message to Cristiano Ronaldo with Old Trafford gesture vs Rayo Vallecano

Ronaldo's return

Manchester United's friendly against Rayo Vallecano was intended to be an opportunity for youngsters and fringe players to play. The focus was supposed to be on United's match against Atletico Madrid on Saturday but that all changed due to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo expressed his desire to leave the club earlier this month and he was absent for United's tour of Thailand and Australia. He eventually reported for training on Tuesday morning and he was joined by agent Jorge Mendes for talks over his future. Ronaldo began training on grass later in the week, but he was not included in United's squad for their trip to Oslo, Norway.

Instead, Ronaldo was browsing social media posts about himself and he confirmed in the comments of a dedicated fan account that he would be playing against Rayo Vallecano. Sunday, the king plays," Ronaldo wrote in his usual modest tone.

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United fans have understandably been angry at Ronaldo for warning to leave the club, but all seemed to be forgotten when he emerged on the pitch to warm-up before Vallecano. Ronaldo applauded the Stretford End and it was reciprocated.

Ronaldo looked sharp, despite his lack of fitness, and he looked animated when talking to Ten Hag around the 30-minute mark. Ronaldo is the biggest personality that Ten Hag has handled and he's so far rising to the challenge in tricky circumstances.

Varane's challenge

Raphael Varane was sidelined with injury for the majority of United's tour and that limited him to just 68 minutes, which came against Liverpool and Aston Villa. Varane's injury record is a source of frustration and he's in danger of becoming an underwhelming signing.

Varane's fitness can't be