Manchester United’s 2022/23 presidency campaign ended disappointingly when they drew 1-1 at home to Rayo Vallecano in Eric ten Haag’s debut at Old Trafford. The return of Cristiano Ronaldo and a ten-hags home bow was the big pre-match story for United, but the former only lasted 45 minutes and the latter was left full-time disappointed. Ronaldo’s replacement Amad Diallo put the hosts ahead immediately after half-time before Rio’s Alvaro García scored a La Liga side in the final.
Ten Haag was clearly annoyed as he played the final whistle as he prepared for the Premier League curtain against Brighton on 7 August.
Rusty Ronaldo is not affiliated with United Stay
All eyes were on Ronaldo returning before the start, where United fans gave an overwhelming welcome to his number seven at Old Trafford. His current stance on leaving the club in pursuit of the Champions League hasn’t changed and a low-key 45-minute match against Rayo hasn’t changed a thing. Ten Haag confirmed that Ronaldo’s lack of fitness would make a full match nearly impossible for the Portuguese giant, despite some quality insights before half-time.
He certainly won’t play Brighton next weekend, and if his future is decided in the coming weeks, his absence from the preseason could mean he won’t be at peak power until September.
Ericsson shines at Old Trafford
Ericsson’s summer signing was brought into action by ten witches but produced a generally assured performance in the midfielder on his Old Trafford debut. The Dane provided a focal point for United to build upon as a de facto number 10 replacement by connecting Donny van de Beek, Ronaldo and Alejandro Garnacho within the offensive number three.
