Playing Cristiano Ronaldo vs Rayo Vallecano could have an impact at Manchester United

Ronaldo set to return

Cristiano Ronaldo was never going to travel to Oslo but Rayo Vallecano's visit is useful beyond giving him potential playing time. Erik ten Hag would be able to see how Ronaldo adapts to the team's style, gauge the crowd's mood towards him and Ronaldo could leave the stadium with a more upbeat outlook on playing for United if he has a positive afternoon.

Or it could turn sour and merely embolden him to agitate a transfer again with a month on the clock.

Garner's chance

James Garner must have boarded United's flight to Bangkok hopeful of becoming the breakout youngster of the pre-season tour. Instead, he touched down in Manchester 16 days later with 22 minutes of playing time to his name after missing three of the four games through injury.

Also read: United weighing up Sesko move

Garner has made it clear he will seek a Premier League loan if he does not have a fulfilling role at United for the forthcoming campaign. Today's match is a platform to remind his manager - and a potential future manager - what he can offer.

Shop window dressing

This game could eventually be remembered as United putting on their own draft pick. Some of the players likely to be involved today have next to no chance of figuring prominently in Ten Hag's plans and United must privately hope the exposure of an Old Trafford friendly smokes out some interested parties.

Six defenders are available for transfer and there are a few junior forwards who could also make the outgoings list before 11pm on September 1.

A view to a kill

United are switching dugouts at Old Trafford at Erik ten Hag's behest. Ten Hag recommended the home dugout be switched to the west section of the stadium earlier this month and United have agreed ahead of